New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ignited a significant controversy with his comments regarding “Miya Muslims”, prompting a fierce response from opposition parties, who criticize the BJP leader for his ongoing efforts to fracture societal unity.

This controversy emerges at a crucial political juncture as Assam approaches its Assembly elections later this year.

CM Sarma has expressed support for creating “trouble” for “Miya Muslims”, suggesting that such actions would compel them to leave the state, a statement that has incited widespread indignation throughout the election-focused northeastern state.

In Assam, the term ‘Miyas’ is often used to describe Bengali-speaking Muslims, a label that the BJP has regularly associated with what it describes as “illegal infiltrators”.

“Create trouble for the Miya Muslims using any means necessary. If they encounter challenges, they will depart from Assam. If I intend to trouble the Miyas, I can do so at midnight. It’s a non-issue. We are unequivocally opposed to the Miya Muslims. Previously, there was a fear of legal action against them. Now, I motivate everyone to cause trouble for them. I observed they have reached Duliajan. A tsunami will occur here, but the outcome will be in Pakistan,” CM Sarma stated.

He also asserted that Bangladeshi nationals are present in Assam and connected this issue to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

These statements have attracted severe condemnation from opposition leaders, who caution that such rhetoric could jeopardize social cohesion.

Senior Congress leader Udit Raj remarked that the Assam Chief Minister’s comments would not resonate well with the public and could potentially lead to “civil war”.

In an interview with IANS, Raj stated, “The Congress does not advocate for Bengali Muslims or Bengali Hindus. We regard everyone as citizens. It is revealing that what was once concealed is now openly articulated by Himanta Biswa Sarma.”

He further expressed concerns about the implications, asserting, “The repercussions of such statements will be unfavorable; they will be perilous. However, these individuals are indifferent to the country. If this continues, the nation may experience turbulence, division, or even civil war. The BJP and RSS will bear responsibility for this,” Raj told IANS.

CPI(M) MP Amraram also denounced the remarks, accusing the Assam government of leveraging administrative measures to marginalize vulnerable populations.

In communication with IANS, he remarked, “This is typical behavior from the Chief Minister. Under the guise of SIR, votes are being siphoned from Dalits, minorities, SCs, and STs. Even when divisions are not being drawn based on religion, votes are being manipulated in the name of SIR. All these individuals are citizens of this nation, regardless of whether they are Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, or Buddhist. Generating animosity against them is, in my view, a betrayal of the country, its Constitution, and its unity.”

Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq also criticized the Chief Minister’s statements, telling IANS, “A leader who speaks about dividing society and the nation should not hold the position of chief minister.”

Conversely, the BJP has defended the Assam Chief Minister, asserting that his comments are directed solely at illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Sahdeo stated to IANS, “Himanta Biswa Sarma’s position has consistently been that the SIR should be enforced strictly against the ‘Miyas,’ which he defines as illegal Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh.”