Guwahati |October 12 | SKY LINK TIMES
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over what he termed a “sharp demographic shift” in the state,as demography mission needed urgently by revealing that Assamese Hindus now constitute only about 40 per cent of Assam’s population—nearly equal to the state’s Muslim population.
Sarma made the remarks while addressing reporters in Guwahati on Saturday, October 12, saying the trend poses a “matter of concern” and requires swift action under the Centre’s proposed Demography Mission.
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“Assam Has Been a Big Victim of Demographic Change”
According to the Chief Minister, Assam’s religious composition has undergone major transformation over the past few decades.
“In 2021, the Muslim population crossed 38 per cent, and today it stands around 39.5 per cent,” Sarma said. “If people from other parts and communities are excluded, Assamese Hindus are not more than 40 per cent today,” he added.
Sarma attributed this change not only to population growth but also to alleged illegal infiltration from neighboring regions. “Assam has been a big victim of demographic change,” he said, pointing to districts such as Majuli, the heart of Assam’s Vaishnavite culture, as examples of areas experiencing significant demographic transformation.
Infiltration, Not Natural Growth: CM’s Claim
The Chief Minister claimed that the “100 per cent growth in Muslim population” in certain districts is not the result of natural growth alone. “This demographic shift has largely been driven by infiltration,” he asserted.
Sarma also noted that Christians constitute around 6–7 per cent of Assam’s total population, emphasizing that the government’s upcoming Demography Mission—announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address—will be key to addressing these concerns.
Demography Mission and National Implications
Under the proposed mission, Sarma said a high-power central committee will be formed to “detect, delete, and deport infiltrators.” “For the first time, the Government of India has spoken in such clear terms,” he remarked, adding that he would seek further details in his upcoming meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Referring to Shah’s recent comments, the Chief Minister said, “The rise in Assam’s Muslim population is not just due to internal growth but also due to people coming from outside.”
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Miya Muslims Could Become Assam’s Largest Community
Earlier, Sarma had warned that ‘Miya-Muslims’—Bengali-speaking Muslims often labeled as immigrants—could emerge as Assam’s largest community in the next census, possibly exceeding 38 per cent of the population.
The term ‘Miya,’ once considered a derogatory label, has in recent years been reclaimed by activists from the community as an emblem of identity and resilience.
Conclusion
The demographic debate in Assam continues to fuel intense political and social discourse. With both Assamese Hindus and Muslims now comprising nearly equal portions of the state’s population, the Demography Mission could become a defining policy initiative in the coming years.
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