Assam: Congress leader Debabrata Saikia says 'Char Culture' and 'Miya Culture' are not the same, slams BJP for "politicizing issue"

Tinsukia: Debabrata Saikia, senior Congressman, and leader of the opposition from Assam, on Monday lashed out at the BJP-led government in Assam over the politicization of the proposed Miya museum at the Srimanta Kalakshetra in Guwahati.

Saikia today pointed out that the committee that had first broached the issue comprised 6 MLAs from the ruling BJP party and only 3 from the Congress. "Out of 15 members of the Departmentally Related Standing Committee, many were from the ruling party," he said,

Saikia further contended that people from all communities and faiths reside in the Char-Chapori regions of Assam. "Wherever there is a lack of land, people have gone on to settle in Char-Chaporis. In Majuli, the CM has taken an initiative to develop the char (riverine) areas. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that the Char Chapori culture and Miya culture are the same," he said.

Also Read: Meghalaya Police filed a criminal case against ‘United Bangal Liberation Army’; Here’s why

Saikia further said that the BJP-led government has raised this issue as it has been a complete failure in all its endeavours. "There are a lot of issues in the Char-Chapori regions. The government should prioritize the develkopment of these backward regions but instead, they have chosen to politicize the issue," he said.

Congress MLA from Baghbar constituency (under Barpeta district), Sherman Ali Ahmed last week proposed the Assam government to establish the museum for the Muslims living in Char-Chaporis of the state at the famed Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati.

Rejecting the proposal of setting up of the museum in Char-Chaporis (Riverine Islands), Sarma said that there is no separate identity and culture of the Muslims living in Char Anchal (Riverine areas) of Assam as most of the people had migrated from Bangladesh.

“In my understanding, there is no separate identity-and culture in Char Anchal of Assam as most of the people had migrated from Bangladesh. Obviously, in Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakhetra, which is the epitome of Assamese culture, we will not allow any distortion. Sorry MLA Sahab,” the Minister wrote in a tweet.

Sherman Ali Ahmed in his letter to the Director of Museums in Assam said that the proposed museum was recently recommended by the DRSC (Departmentally Related Standing Committee of Assam assembly) on Education in its 47th Report on Art and Culture.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:                                                                  

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.