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Guwahati. The political controversy regarding the so-called “Miya” Muslims in Assam has once again intensified. Recently, a round of allegations and counter-allegations started in the state politics after an AI-generated video surfaced, in which the Chief Minister (Himanta Biswa Sarma) was allegedly shown targeting people with Muslim identity.
The video was shared from the social media account of the state unit Bharatiya Janata Party, following which the opposition lodged a strong objection, calling it “provocative”. As the controversy escalated, the video was removed and the party said it was posted without proper permission.
What is the whole controversy
Messages like “Foreigner-free Assam” and “No apology to Bangladeshis” were seen in the video released on social media. Opposition parties allege that this material is inciting communal tension.
The main opposition Indian National Congress filed a police complaint, while the Left parties—Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India—moved to court over the matter.
It was reported that a face shown in the video resembled that of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who is the son of former state chief minister Tarun Gogoi.
Chief Minister and BJP’s clarification
As the controversy escalated, Chief Minister Sarma said that his protest was not against “Assamese Muslims” but against people allegedly coming illegally from Bangladesh. The party also issued a statement saying that the video was shared in an “immature manner” and the responsible official has been removed.
Why did the word ‘Mia’ become a political issue?
In Assam the term “Miya” is generally used to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims. Critics say that many people consider it offensive. This community has been accused of illegal migration for a long time. This debate has been associated with issues like citizenship, voter list and land encroachment.
Such controversies have happened before too
This is not the first time that there has been controversy over such content in state politics.
Last year too, an AI-generated video was posted, purportedly showing the scene of “infiltration”. In that case also the material had to be removed after the intervention of the court. Petitions on matters related to this have reached the Supreme Court of India.
Population and political equation
According to the 2011 census, the population of Muslims in Assam was about 34%, which is now said to be higher in various estimates.
Many border districts of the state are Muslim-majority, and it is in these areas that anti-encroachment campaigns and citizenship-related issues have become the subject of most political debate.
What is the opinion of political analysts
Political analysts believe that this issue is not limited to the internal politics of Assam only. Its impact is being seen extending to the politics of neighboring state West Bengal. Questions related to identity, migration and voter base are being made a part of the election strategy.
What next?
The controversial video has been removed and investigation into the matter is ongoing after a complaint was lodged with the police.
However, issues like “Miya” identity, illegal migration and citizenship are indicating to remain prominent in Assam politics in the times to come.
