1. Assam CM, Himanta Biswa Sarma, outlines conditions for “Miya” migrants to be recognized as indigenous.
2. Sarma emphasizes the importance of adhering to Assamese cultural norms for indigenous recognition.
3. Specific requirements include family size limits, education priorities, and respect for cultural values.
Guwahati, March 24: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has laid out specific conditions for migrant Bangladesh-origin Bengali-speaking Muslims, known as “miya,” to seek recognition as indigenous people of the state.
Speaking on Saturday, Sarma stressed that adherence to certain cultural norms and practices of Assamese society is crucial for attaining indigenous status.
Sarma outlined key requirements, including limiting family size to two children, refraining from polygamy, and preventing the marriage of minor daughters. He emphasized the significance of respecting Assamese cultural values and expressed concern over encroachments on ‘satras’ (Vaishnavite monasteries) land by certain groups.
The Chief Minister also highlighted educational priorities, urging the community to move away from madrassas and focus on fields like medicine and engineering.
He emphasized the importance of educating daughters and ensuring their inheritance rights over paternal property.
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This initiative comes amidst demographic complexities in Assam, where Muslims constitute a significant portion of the population with distinct ethnicities and migration histories.
In 2022, the Assam cabinet officially recognized around 40 lakh Assamese-speaking Muslims as “indigenous Assamese Muslims,” distinguishing them from Bangladesh-origin migrants.
While Assamese-speaking indigenous Muslims makeup about 37% of the total Muslim population, the remaining 63% consists of migrant Bengali-speaking Muslims. The cabinet’s recognition includes five specific groups – Goria, Moria, Jolah (only those in tea gardens), Desi, and Syed (only Assamese-speaking).
Sarma’s conditions reflect a broader effort to integrate cultural norms and practices within the state’s diverse population. By delineating criteria for indigenous recognition, the government aims to foster cohesion and preserve Assamese identity amidst demographic shifts.
