Muslims no longer minority in Assam- says CM Himanta Biswa Sharma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that Muslims cannot be considered a minority in the state, since they constitute 35 percent of Assam’s population. Speaking on the occasion of the Governor’s address in the budget session of the northeastern state’s assembly, Sarma said, “Today people from Muslim community are leaders in opposition, MLAs and have equal opportunity and wield power. So, it is their duty to ensure that the rights of tribal people are protected and their lands are not encroached upon. There is no need to encroach on the lands of tribals residing in the sixth schedule area. If Bora and Kalita (Assamese surnames) have not settled on those land, Islam and Rahman (Muslim surnames) must also refrain from settling in those lands.”  He said that “Power comes with responsibility. As Muslims constitute 35% of Assam’s population, it is their duty to protect the minorities here,” he added.

“The Assamese people are under fear. Harmony is two-way traffic. Let Muslims talk about the protection of Sanskari culture, Sattriya culture…there will be harmony. Ten years back, we were not minorities but now we are,” said Assam Chief Minister.  Sarma said, “People ask me if Assamese will face the same fate as Kashmiri Pandits. It is the duty of Muslims to allay our fear. Muslims must behave like a majority and give us assurance that there will be no repeat of Kashmir here.”  He has requested the Muslim community to be partners in the development of the state.