Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the presence of Miyas, Bangladeshi-origin Muslims, in the state. He mentioned that the BJP lodged around five lakh complaints during the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls to identify foreigners, considering it a national duty. Sarma pointed out the emergence of previously unknown individuals in various Upper Assam districts, indicating the need for scrutiny of recent entrants during the revision process to determine their citizenship status.
Referring to the term “Miya,” Sarma explained its evolution from a derogatory term for Bengali-speaking Muslims to a self-adopted identity by some community members. He criticized the opposition for not actively participating in the Special Revision exercise, accusing them of denying the presence of Bangladeshi nationals in Assam. Sarma stressed that the responsibility of identifying foreigners should be a collective effort involving all political parties, not just the BJP.
Asserting the BJP’s stance against foreigners, Sarma highlighted a 1.35% increase in voters in Assam as per the latest electoral roll data. He raised concerns about the influx of “Bangladeshi Miyas” into districts like Duliajan, Sarupathar, and Golaghat, noting a rise in land acquisitions by this group in areas such as Tinsukia. Sarma indicated demographic shifts in regions like Tinsukia, previously dominated by Hindi and Bengali speakers but now witnessing a significant presence of “unknown Bangladeshi Miyas.”
According to Sarma, the integrated draft electoral roll in Assam lists 2,52,01,624 electors, with notable additions and deletions. The revision process identified deceased and shifted voters, along with cases of multiple entries. Sarma clarified that deletions or corrections would occur after the claims and objections period, with the final electoral roll set for publication on February 10.
