Assamese vs non-Assamese division is taking different forms in Assam

By Nava Thakuria* 

The memory of Assam's agitation against illegal migrants still resonates with middle-aged Assamese citizens, who recall the initial movement dubbed the ‘Bohiragata Kheda Andolan’—essentially a campaign aimed at deporting outsiders. 

Over time, this sentiment has evolved into a more focused opposition against illegal migrants from East Pakistan/Bangladesh, as framed by influential intellectuals and media figures in Guwahati. Recently, the longstanding issue of outsiders resurfaced following a troubling incident in Sibsagar, eastern Assam. 

Here, a community was compelled to issue an apology for the actions of a few individuals from their group. Those accused of the physical assault on a minor female arm wrestler were already in custody, yet the entire Marwari community faced collective blame. Disturbingly, a state minister was present during an event where elderly members of the community were pressured to kneel in apology. 

The incident in Sibsagar sparked approval among some parochial Assamese, who viewed it as an illustration of Asomiyagiri—essentially the dominance of the Assamese community. 

They expressed the sentiment that anyone residing in Assam must pay homage to Asomiya language and culture or face expulsion, echoing the rhetoric that fueled the student-led agitation in the Brahmaputra valley. 

Strikingly, there is a segment of the population that harbors dreams of creating an Assam exclusively for Assamese speakers. This mindset, however, stands in stark contrast to the reality that numerous Assamese families—particularly students—now inhabit other parts of India. 

This attitude has drawn the ire of many rational Assamese citizens, who have vehemently criticized the agitators for fostering divisions between Assamese and non-Assamese individuals. 

This division between Assamese and non-Assamese individuals takes an unusual turn, if those committing crime belong to the Muslim community, especially those suspected to be Bangladeshi immigrants. 

On social media, such individuals have been labeled as trouble-makers, with calls to address the issue of "illegal" Bangladeshi Muslims, viewed as a growing concern for local communities in Assam. This tension was recently  escalated by a horrific incident of gang rape involving a minor in the Dhing area of central Assam. 

The high school student was assaulted by at least three youths, reportedly  from the Muslim community, while returning home from her tutorial classes in the evening. Locals discovered her unconscious on the roadside and transported her to a nearby health center, later transferring her to Nagaon for advanced treatment. 

Outraged by the crime, hundreds of Assamese women took to the streets, voicing their anger towards law enforcement for repeatedly failing to protect women in their communities. They labeled the assailants as suspected illegal migrants and demanded justice for the young victim. 

Finding this as a commentary on his administration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also oversees the home department, took to social media to express his outrage over the Dhing incident. He instructed State Police Chief GP Singh to promptly investigate and take action against the offenders, condemning the assault as a crime against humanity. 

However, news emerged the following morning that the prime suspect, Tafajjul Islam, had drowned while attempting to escape police custody after being brought to the scene to reconstruct the crime. According to reports, he had attacked law enforcement and fled before being found two hours later by state rescue personnel. 

This prompted numerous protest rallies across Assam supporting the demands of those advocating for justice for the Dhing victim. Indigenous organizations even issued an ultimatum to individuals of "Bangladeshi origin", demanding their departure from Upper Assam within a week. 

They alleged that the assailants in the Dhing incident were "miyas", calling on the government to take action to protect the indigenous populace of Assam, a complex issue requiring careful and immediate attention from the government.

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*Senior journalist based in Guwahati