Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned that "Miya" Muslims may soon become the largest community in the state, projecting their population to reach 38% in the next census. Sarma has vowed to introduce new laws aimed at curbing population growth and safeguarding the interests of Assam's indigenous population. He views this as a "battle" to protect the state and its people.

Sarma stated that the state government will table two important bills in the upcoming assembly session to protect indigenous people. While he didn't elaborate on the specifics of the bills, he said they would be crucial for safeguarding the indigenous communities of Assam. He lamented that the current situation arose due to inaction in the past, and emphasized that the efforts initiated in the last five years need to continue to achieve the desired outcome.

The Chief Minister asserted the need to keep the "Miya-Muslims" under pressure to maintain control over the situation. He said that the state government is simultaneously undertaking various efforts to protect the "Jati, Mati, Bheti" (Community, Land and Identity) of the local people, including eviction drives against illegal settlers on government and forest land in areas like Goalpara and Behali. Education drives will also be carried out in these locations.

Sarma has, in the past, set conditions for migrant Bangladesh-origin Bengali-speaking Muslims, often referred to as "Miyas," to be recognized as indigenous people of the state. These conditions include adhering to a two-child policy, abstaining from polygamy, and refraining from marrying off minor daughters, as he considers these practices inconsistent with Assamese culture. He has also stressed the importance of prioritizing education by sending children to schools instead of madrassas and encouraging them to pursue professional careers.

The Chief Minister's recent statements have already drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties, who accuse him of attempting to polarize communities ahead of upcoming elections. Sarma has defended his remarks, stating that he is highlighting a long-standing concern about demographic shifts in the state.

This is not the first time Sarma has raised concerns about demographic changes in Assam. He has previously claimed that unchecked population growth among certain sections of the population could alter Assam's social and cultural fabric. His government has initiated population control measures and land reforms aimed at protecting the rights of "indigenous Assamese people".