GUWAHATI, Jan 29: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 29 defended his recent remarks on the term “Miyan,” asserting that his comments are grounded in judicial observations rather than political rhetoric or communal prejudice.
In a post on X, Sarma urged critics to refer to the Supreme Court of India’s assessments regarding Assam and illegal migration. He clarified that the term is used in the state in the context of Bangladeshi Muslim illegal migration and that his statements merely reflected long-standing judicial concerns.
Quoting the apex court, Sarma highlighted its warning about what it described as a “silent and invidious demographic invasion of Assam.” The Supreme Court had cautioned that continuous influx of illegal migrants could transform key districts of lower Assam into Muslim-majority regions, potentially fueling demands for merger with Bangladesh and threatening the Northeast’s territorial integrity and natural resources.
The Chief Minister argued that acknowledging such warnings cannot be construed as hatred or communalism. He emphasised that Assam has faced these demographic challenges for decades, and the state government’s measures are aimed at protecting Assam’s identity, security, and future—not targeting any religion or Indian citizen.
Sarma concluded that disregarding the Supreme Court’s concerns would constitute a greater injustice to Assam and the nation, underscoring the government’s focus on upholding constitutional safeguards and territorial unity.
