Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has laid out conditions for Bengali-speaking Muslims, referred to as ‘Miya’, to be recognized as indigenous people of the state. Sarma emphasized that if ‘Miyas’ wishes to be acknowledged as ‘khilonjiya’ (indigenous), they must abandon practices such as child marriage and polygamy.
Sarma’s remarks come just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 and follow his previous statements attributing social issues like child marriage and polygamy to the Bengali-speaking Muslim community, many of whom have roots in Bangladesh.
“Whether ‘Miyas’ are indigenous or not is a separate matter. What we are asserting is that if they aspire to be ‘indigenous’, we have no objections. However, they must renounce practices like child marriage and polygamy and promote women’s education,” Sarma stated on Saturday.
The term ‘Miya’ originally carried negative connotations, used to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, often perceived as Bangladeshi immigrants. However, in recent years, activists from the community have embraced this term as a form of resistance.
Sarma highlighted that the tradition of marrying multiple times is not consistent with Assamese culture, which reveres girls as ‘shakti’ (goddesses). “I always emphasize that there is no issue with ‘Miyas’ being recognized as indigenous, but they cannot practice polygamy. This is not part of Assamese culture. How can one occupy Satra (Vaishnavite monastery) land and still claim indigenous status?” he asserted.
The Chief Minister further stated that if Bengali-speaking Muslims can adhere to Assamese customs, they too will be considered indigenous.
Also Read | Why is there no MSP for tea in India? Here’s the answer