Assam Identity Politics Intensifies with ‘Miya-Free’ Employment Call

GUWAHATI: A fresh controversy has erupted in Assam after the Hindu Yuva Chatra Parishad issued a public appeal asking contractors and construction firms in Guwahati not to employ what it described as “Miya Muslim” labourers and instead prioritise indigenous Assamese workers in ongoing projects.

In a statement addressed to builders and infrastructure companies, the organisation expressed concern over what it termed the “changing demographic situation” in the state. Referring to the Assam Movement against illegal immigration, it claimed that more than 855 indigenous people had sacrificed their lives in the agitation and alleged that demographic shifts in several districts have created insecurity among indigenous communities.

The group further claimed that while eviction drives targeting alleged illegal settlers are underway in parts of upper and lower Assam, Guwahati city is also witnessing a growing presence of “unidentified” individuals. It called upon contractors engaged in the construction of residential buildings, offices, flyovers, roads and bridges to remove “unidentified” or “Miya Muslim” workers from their sites and replace them with local indigenous labourers.

The statement also carried a warning that failure to comply with the appeal could lead to “unwanted incidents” in the future, for which the organisation said it would not be responsible.

The development has added to the ongoing political and social debate in Assam over illegal immigration, identity and the rights of indigenous communities.

Legal Scrutiny Over CM’s Remarks

The controversy comes amid legal scrutiny of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his public remarks concerning the “Miya” community. The Gauhati High Court has reportedly issued notices to the Chief Minister following petitions alleging repeated hate speech targeting the community.

Petitioners have argued that certain remarks attributed to the Chief Minister violate constitutional principles and the oath of office. Critics contend that repeated public references distinguishing communities on linguistic or ethnic lines risk deepening social divisions in the state.

CM’s Defence

Earlier, responding to the controversy, Sarma has defended his position, stating that the term “Miya” is not unconstitutional. He has maintained that he uses the term to differentiate between Bengali-speaking Muslims and indigenous Assamese Muslims, describing the distinction as socio-political rather than religious.

Supporters of the Chief Minister argue that his statements reflect long-standing concerns in Assam over illegal immigration and demographic changes — issues that have significantly shaped the state’s political discourse for decades.

Also Read: HC Puts Assam CM on Notice in Hate Speech Case; Court Observes ‘Fissiparous Tendency’ in Remarks