Guwahati, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, emphasized on Tuesday that the term Miyas, which refers to Muslims of Bangladeshi descent, is prevalent in the state. He reported that the BJP has submitted approximately 500,000 complaints during the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of the electoral rolls, labeling this initiative a “national duty” aimed at identifying foreign nationals.

While addressing media in Sivasagar, Sarma alleged that a number of “unknown individuals” who were previously absent are now populating various Upper Assam districts. He stated that if these newcomers receive notifications during the SR process, it will unequivocally confirm their foreign status.

The Chief Minister noted that the term “Miya” was once derogatorily used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam but has now been embraced by certain community members, including activists, as a form of identity assertion. Sarma accused these individuals of being “doubtful” and mentioned that the Election Commission will investigate all complaints made during this revision.

Sarma underscored that the task of identifying foreigners should not rest solely with the BJP, urging all political parties to take part in the SR process. He criticized opposition parties for neglecting to file objections and instead attempting to portray the absence of Bangladeshi nationals in Assam.

“The BJP stands firmly against foreigners and acts accordingly. Our members have lodged complaints believing that foreigners exist in the state,” he stated. Citing official data, Sarma revealed that Assam experienced a 1.35% increase in voters according to the integrated draft electoral roll published on December 30 following the Special Revision.

He contended that “Bangladeshi Miyas” have infiltrated areas like Duliajan, Sarupathar, and Golaghat in recent years and claimed that land acquisitions by these individuals have surged in regions such as Tinsukia. Reflecting on demographic shifts, he stated that Tinsukia was once perceived to be predominantly inhabited by Hindi and Bengali speakers, but now reportedly sees a significant rise in the population of “unknown Bangladeshi Miyas”.

“Thus, no area is secure in Assam,” he remarked. According to Sarma, the draft roll includes 25,201,624 electors, with 78,684 additions and 447,196 deletions. During the SR, 478,992 deceased voters and 523,680 shifted voters were identified, along with 53,619 instances of multiple entries.

He stated that deletions or amendments would occur only after applications during the claims and objections phase, with the final electoral roll set for release on February 10.