Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently claimed that Bengali-speaking Muslims, often referred to as Miya-Muslims, are projected to become the largest community in the state, potentially comprising around 38% of Assam’s population according to the upcoming census. Speaking in Dibrugarh, Sarma said, “When the next census is completed and the results come, take it from me that Miya-Muslims will be 38 per cent of the population in the state. And they will be the largest community. This is the reality of Assam now.”
The Chief Minister reflected on Assam’s demographic changes over the past decades, asserting that timely measures three decades ago could have altered the state’s population dynamics. “A battle has started now, and we will take it to the desired result,” he said, indicating that the government plans to address what he perceives as demographic challenges.
Sarma also announced that the state government will introduce two significant legislations in the upcoming Assembly session aimed at protecting Assam’s jati, mati, bheti — which translates to community, land, and home. While he did not provide details about the proposed laws, he emphasized that these steps are intended to safeguard the people of Assam and ensure a secure future for the state.
