‘38% and growing’: Himanta calls for pressure on Miya muslims, predicts demographic shift

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on October 10 claimed that the Miya community is projected to become the largest in the state, with their population share expected to rise to around 38 percent in the upcoming census.

Speaking at a public meeting in Dibrugarh, Sarma said, “This time, when the census takes place and the results are out, it will be found that the percentage of the Miya community has increased to 38 percent. If any statistical department makes a projection, it will clearly show that they are set to become the largest community in Assam — and that is the truth.”

He asserted that Assam’s indigenous population would remain secure “only if the Miya Muslims are kept under pressure,” adding that the government must bring a new law in the Legislative Assembly to safeguard the interests of indigenous Assamese people.

Reiterating his government’s ongoing land and eviction drives, the Chief Minister said, “Eviction notices have already been issued in Goalpara and Behali. We are not stopping any work. The pressure on illegal encroachments will continue.”

Sarma’s remarks have drawn strong reactions across political circles, with critics calling them polarising, while his supporters hailed the statement as a firm stance to protect Assam’s demographic and cultural integrity.