Himanta Biswa Sarma said Muslims can't be called a minority as they constitute 35% of population.
In yet another statement that is sure to court controversy, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that Muslims constitutes 35 per cent of Assam's population and cannot be considered a minority in the northeastern state anymore. He also invoked the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Hindus and added that "it's the duty of Muslims" in the state to allay fears of other communities.
Speaking during a debate on the Governor's address in the budget session of the Assam assembly, Mr Sarma said, "Today people from Muslim community are leaders in opposition, MLAs and have equal opportunity and wield power. So, it is their duty to ensure that the rights of tribal people are protected and their lands are not encroached upon. There is no need to encroach on the lands of tribals residing in the sixth schedule area. If Bora and Kalita (Assamese surnames) have not settled on those land, Islam and Rahman (Muslim surnames) must also refrain from settling in those lands."
The Chief Minister further said that "power comes with responsibility" and as Muslims constitute 35 per cent of Assam's population, it is "their duty to protect the minorities here".
"The Assamese people are under fear. There is fear that culture and civilisation will be protected. Harmony is two-way traffic. Let Muslims talk about the protection of Sankari culture, Sattriya culture...there will be harmony. Ten years back, we were not minorities but now we are," Mr Sarma added.
Drawing parallels with the Kashmiri Hindus who were forced to flee their homes, Mr Sarma said, "People ask me if Assamese people will face the same fate as Kashmiri Pandits. It is the duty of Muslims to allay our fear. Muslims must behave like a majority and give us assurance that there will be no repeat of Kashmir here."
The reference to Kashmiri Hindus comes amidst Mr Sarma's promotion of Vivek Agnihotri directed 'The Kashmir Files' which several BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister, have endorsed. BJP-ruled states have also exempted it from entertainment tax. The Assam Chief Minister watched the movie with his cabinet colleagues and on Tuesday announced that state government employees can avail themselves of a half-day leave to watch it. The movie, which is based on the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the valley in the 1990s, has been hotly debated with even PM Modi jumping in with a swipe at its critics.
Mr Sarma added that he has urged the Muslim community to be "partners" in the development of the state. "With 35 per cent population, Muslims are in a way the largest community. So, I had appealed to them that they should take the responsibility of maintaining communal harmony. I have urged the Muslims to be partners in development," he said.