Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warns of a demographic threat from Bangladesh-origin Muslims, citing potential impacts on indigenous identity, while highlighting Assam’s infrastructure growth, economic transformation, and ambitious development projects during his Republic Day address.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday issued a strong warning over what he described as a growing demographic challenge in the state, raising concerns about the rising population of Bangladesh-origin Muslims and its potential impact on the identity, culture, and political future of indigenous Assamese communities.
Addressing the Republic Day celebrations in Dibrugarh, the Chief Minister said that unchecked migration and rapid demographic changes posed a serious threat to Assam’s social fabric. He urged citizens to take the issue seriously and remain vigilant to protect the rights and heritage of indigenous communities.
According to CM Sarma, demographic shifts in certain regions of Assam could fundamentally alter the state’s cultural and political balance if corrective measures are not taken. He claimed that the population of what he referred to as “Miya” Muslims — a term often used in political discourse to describe Muslims of alleged migrant origin — could rise to nearly 40 percent in the 2027 census.
“The existence of Assamese people is under threat due to Bangladesh-origin Muslims,” the Chief Minister said during his address. He stressed that demographic imbalance could have long-term implications for governance, land rights, political representation, and cultural preservation in the state.
Sarma emphasized that protecting indigenous identity must remain a top priority for the Assam government. He called for heightened awareness among citizens, stating that demographic changes are not merely statistical trends but issues that directly affect the future of Assam’s ethnic and cultural landscape.
Demography and Indigenous Rights
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of indigenous Assamese communities, including ethnic groups such as Ahoms, Bodos, Misings, Karbis, and other tribal and indigenous populations.
He highlighted that demographic shifts could strain resources, alter electoral dynamics, and create social tensions if not managed carefully. Sarma also underlined the importance of implementing laws related to citizenship, land ownership, and population documentation to ensure that indigenous communities are not marginalized.
Political analysts note that demographic concerns have long been a sensitive and central issue in Assam’s politics, particularly in the context of migration from neighboring Bangladesh over several decades. The issue has previously shaped major movements, including the Assam Agitation, and continues to influence contemporary policy debates.
Assam’s Development Narrative
Alongside his strong remarks on demography, CM Sarma also presented an optimistic picture of Assam’s development trajectory. He asserted that the state has undergone a significant transformation in recent years and is no longer considered a backward region.
“Assam is no longer a backward state. It is now among the leading states contributing to a developed India,” he said, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, governance reforms, investment inflows, and economic performance.
The Chief Minister pointed to major infrastructure projects as evidence of Assam’s progress. He announced plans for expanded rail and road connectivity across the Brahmaputra River, describing these initiatives as game-changers for trade, tourism, and regional integration.
Improved connectivity, he said, will enhance mobility for people and goods, reduce logistical costs, and strengthen Assam’s role as a gateway to Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
Innovation and Industrial Ambitions
In a notable highlight of his speech, Sarma spoke about innovative industrial initiatives aimed at positioning Assam as a hub for future-focused industries. He revealed plans related to oil production from bamboo, an unconventional but potentially sustainable energy source that could also benefit rural livelihoods.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the manufacturing of information technology chips within the state, signaling Assam’s ambition to enter high-tech manufacturing and reduce dependence on external production centers.
“These projects reflect how far Assam has progressed compared to the past,” Sarma said. He added that the government’s focus is on creating employment, attracting domestic and foreign investment, and building an ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
Balancing Identity and Development
CM Sarma’s Republic Day address reflected a dual political and policy narrative — one centered on protecting indigenous identity and managing demographic changes, and the other focused on accelerating economic development and modernization.
Supporters argue that the government’s tough stance on demographic issues is necessary to preserve Assam’s unique cultural heritage, while critics caution that such rhetoric may deepen social divisions and require careful handling to maintain harmony.
| Also Read: Scindia Launches Rs 80 Crore Agarwood Processing Cluster in Tripura |
As Assam moves toward the 2027 census, demographic data is expected to play a critical role in shaping future political strategies, policy priorities, and public discourse. The Chief Minister’s remarks signal that population trends and indigenous rights will remain at the forefront of Assam’s political agenda in the coming years.
With major infrastructure, industrial, and technological projects in the pipeline, the state stands at a crossroads where development ambitions must be balanced with social cohesion and cultural preservation.
