Assam Chief Minister Invokes Supreme Court's 2005 Ruling to Justify 'Miya' Terminology
In a significant political statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended his controversial use of the term 'miya' by referencing the Supreme Court of India's landmark 2005 judgment that scrapped the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act. Speaking from Guwahati on Thursday, Sarma asserted that his remarks are grounded in the apex court's own language regarding illegal immigration, rather than political rhetoric.
Supreme Court's Warning on Demographic Changes
Sarma directly quoted from the 2005 ruling, posting on social media platform X: "The silent and invidious demographic invasion of Assam may result in the loss of the geostrategically vital districts of lower Assam... The influx of illegal migrants is turning these districts into a Muslim majority region... It will then only be a matter of time when a demand for their merger with Bangladesh may be made... Loss of lower Assam will sever the entire land mass of the North East from the rest of India and the rich natural resources of that region will be lost to the nation."
The Chief Minister emphasized that when the highest constitutional court uses phrases like "demographic invasion" and warns about potential territorial loss and national unity concerns, acknowledging this reality should not be misconstrued as hatred or communalism. "It is a recognition of a grave and long-standing problem that Assam has lived with for decades," Sarma stated.
Context of the 'Miya' Terminology
'Miya' is commonly used in Assam to identify Bangladesh-origin Muslim immigrants. Sarma clarified that he employs this term specifically to distinguish these immigrants from indigenous Assamese Muslims. "Those who are attacking me for my remarks on 'miyan'—a word used in Assam in the context of Bangladeshi Muslim illegal migration — should pause and read what the Supreme Court of India itself has said about Assam," he wrote.
Speaking later to media in Golaghat, Sarma noted that migrants from Bangladesh themselves use the word 'miya'. He presented demographic statistics, claiming that districts where Muslim populations once stood at 10 per cent now report 60 per cent, questioning: "Isn't it true that miyas are infiltrating from Bangladesh?"
Political Reactions and Electoral Context
The controversy emerged following Sarma's comments about mass objections to the inclusion of 'miyas' in voter lists during the ongoing special revision exercise. Opposition parties have criticized these remarks, with Congress lodging complaints about harassment of genuine citizens and Left parties alleging misuse of the revision process.
Opposition parties have accused the BJP of weaponizing Form 7 to potentially disenfranchise minorities. The Election Commission has ordered the special revision under Supreme Court supervision to ensure an error-free electoral roll. The draft list was published on December 27, claims and objections closed on January 22, and the final roll is scheduled for release on February 10.
Economic Protection for Indigenous Communities
Beyond the immigration debate, Sarma announced significant policy measures aimed at strengthening the economic position of indigenous Assamese communities. On Wednesday, he directed all Public Works Department contractors to ensure that at least 50 per cent of laborers in future projects are drawn from indigenous communities.
"We cannot stop those who have come from Bangladesh prior to 1951 from working here. But in the last 20–30 years, miyas have been trying to enter Assam after seeing developmental works here," Sarma explained, noting that if prevented from direct entry, they often enter through Kolkata and West Bengal.
The Chief Minister highlighted successful examples of indigenous employment, including the Guwahati–North Guwahati bridge where "all the technical work has been done by only Assamese youths." He also cited the Jagiroad Semiconductor plant and recalled that "in Bogibeel bridge, 100 per cent workers were from the Mising community."
Broader Vision for Assam's Future
Sarma articulated a comprehensive vision that extends beyond infrastructure development. "Even our drivers are not Assamese people... Along with infrastructure, I have a dream to strengthen the Assamese community's economic backbone," he stated while reviewing the Guwahati–North Guwahati bridge, which is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14.
The Chief Minister emphasized that his administration's efforts are not directed against any religion or Indian citizen, but rather focused on protecting "Assam's identity, security, and future, exactly as the Supreme Court cautioned the nation to do." He concluded with a stark warning: "Ignoring that warning would be the real injustice—to Assam and to India."
