Assam CM Vows to Target Undocumented Immigrants in Upcoming Elections

Chief Minister's Controversial Remarks

On Friday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that his administration would aim to "break the backbone" of undocumented immigrants, referred to as "Miyas," if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secures victory in the upcoming Assembly elections.

During a campaign event in Dhakuakhana, located in the Lakhimpur district, Sarma emphasized that his government has prioritized the interests of the state's indigenous population.

He stated, "We have politically dismantled those who have come from Bangladesh and encroached upon Assam's land and homes," as reported by a news source.

Sarma further asserted, "This time, we will decisively target the Bangladeshi Miyas to ensure they do not challenge the Assamese people."

In Assam, the term "Miya" is often used derogatorily to describe undocumented immigrants, particularly targeting Bengali Muslims, who are frequently accused of being illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Originally a term of respect among South Asian Muslims, "Miya" has been reclaimed by the community to identify Muslims who migrated to Assam from Bengal during the colonial period.

In recent months, Sarma has made several controversial statements regarding Miyas, including claims that it is his responsibility to "make them suffer" and that he has instructed BJP members to seek the removal of Miya Muslims from electoral rolls.

On February 26, the Gauhati High Court requested a response from Sarma regarding petitions that called for action against him for alleged hate speech directed at Muslims.

Earlier in February, the Supreme Court declined to hear petitions seeking to file a first information report against him on similar accusations.

During his campaign on Friday, Sarma also mentioned that his government had reclaimed 1.5 lakh bighas of land from Miyas over the past five years.

Since the BJP assumed power in Assam in 2016, numerous demolition drives have been carried out, primarily affecting areas inhabited by Bengali-speaking Muslims.

The Assembly elections in Assam are scheduled for April 9, with results expected to be announced on May 4.