Is BJP Balancing Development and Identity Politics to Safeguard Indigenous People?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Guwahati, Jan 1 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized on Thursday that the BJP administration is engaging in both identity politics and development to safeguard the indigenous population of the state. He stated that the governing body has taken a decisive stance against infiltrators from Bangladesh.
While addressing media representatives, CM Sarma remarked, "Our foremost priority is to protect our indigenous community from illegal infiltrators. Over recent decades, Assam's demographics have undergone significant changes due to rampant infiltration, jeopardizing the existence of the Assamese people in numerous regions. If we fail to uphold the rights of our indigenous populace, all development efforts will ultimately prove futile, which is why we are committed to controlling infiltration from Bangladesh."
The Chief Minister noted that the government is actively pushing back infiltrators upon their detection in Indian territory.
"Previously, we would contact the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for action following the identification of infiltrators in our land. The MEA would then have to notify the Bangladesh government to repatriate those infiltrators; however, such cases often faced delays due to the lack of responsiveness from the neighboring country. This approach has shifted, and now we are expelling infiltrators immediately. This decision has received approval from the Supreme Court," he added.
Additionally, CM Sarma stressed the need for stringent vigilance to ensure that no Assamese girl becomes a victim of Love Jihad, urging indigenous Assamese Muslims to stand against such acts.
He further commented, "During Eid celebrations in Dhubri last year, approximately 20,000 kgs of beef were sold, which hurt the sentiments of Hindu citizens. I firmly believe that the sale of beef should be entirely banned in predominantly Hindu areas."
Importantly, the Chief Minister has consistently asserted that infiltration poses a grave threat to Assam's demographic stability, social harmony, and internal security. He reaffirmed the state government's dedication to protecting the rights of indigenous communities and enforcing the law unwaveringly.