Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ‘Miyan’ Remark: A Controversial Stand to Protect Assam’s Identity?

'Effort to protect Assam’s identity': CM Himanta cites SC to defend 'Miyan' remark

Introduction

In a move that has reignited a long-standing and sensitive debate, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has doubled down on his controversial Miyan remark. Facing sharp criticism from the opposition, Sarma has not only refused to retract his statement but has also anchored his defense in a landmark Supreme Court judgment. His core argument? An urgent and necessary effort to protect Assam’s identity from what he terms a grave threat of illegal migration. This article dives deep into the controversy, unpacking the legal, political, and social dimensions of this explosive issue.

Table of Contents

The Controversy Unfolds: What Did Himanta Say?

On January 29, 2026, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma found himself in the eye of a political hurricane. His recent comments referring to a specific group as “Miya Muslims” drew immediate and fierce condemnation from opposition parties. They accused him of using divisive and communal language that could incite social disharmony [[27]].

Sarma, however, was quick to clarify his position. He stated that his remarks were not aimed at the entire Muslim community of Assam but were specifically directed at illegal Bangladeshi migrants. He emphasized that his government’s actions are part of a broader, lawful effort to identify and remove these individuals from the electoral rolls and the state itself, a process he claims is essential for the state’s security and future [[1]].

To shield himself from accusations of bigotry, Sarma reached for a powerful legal shield: the Supreme Court of India. He specifically referenced the court’s 2005 judgment in the Sarbananda Sonowal vs Union of India case [[6]]. In that landmark ruling, the apex court had declared the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983 (IMDT Act) as unconstitutional.

The court’s reasoning was stark. It equated the unchecked influx of illegal migrants into Assam with “external aggression” under Article 355 of the Constitution, placing a duty on the Union government to protect every state from such a threat [[19]]. By invoking this judgment, Sarma is attempting to frame his Miyan remark not as a personal or political attack, but as a responsible administrative action backed by the highest judicial authority in the land. He argues that ignoring this demographic shift is a dereliction of duty [[24]].

Opposition Fires Back: Accusations of Communalism

The opposition has been relentless in its counter-attack. Leaders from various parties have slammed Sarma’s comments as a deliberate attempt to polarize society along religious lines, especially in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections [[22]]. Their key arguments include:

  • Targeting a Community: They argue that using the term “Miyan,” which is often used pejoratively for Bengali-origin Muslims in Assam, is inherently communal and stigmatizes an entire community, regardless of their citizenship status.
  • Inciting Social Discord: Critics warn that such rhetoric from the highest office in the state can fuel fear, mistrust, and potentially lead to civil unrest, undermining the fragile social fabric of Assam [[27]].
  • Political Opportunism: Many see this as a cynical ploy to consolidate a particular voter base by exploiting a decades-old, emotionally charged issue for short-term political gain [[28]].

Historical Context: The Deep Roots of Assam’s Demographic Anxiety

To understand the intensity of this debate, one must look back. The fear of demographic change due to migration from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) is not new. It was the central catalyst for the massive, six-year-long Assam Agitation (1979-1985) [[30]]. This movement, which demanded the detection and deportation of all illegal immigrants who entered the state after March 24, 1971, culminated in the historic Assam Accord.

This accord, and the subsequent creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), are direct results of this deep-seated anxiety about the preservation of Assamese culture, language, and political control. The Supreme Court’s own observations in the Sonowal case acknowledged this long-standing and complex problem that Assam has grappled with for decades [[2]].

What Is the ‘Miyan Remark’ Really About?

At its core, the Miyan remark controversy is a flashpoint in a much larger battle over identity, legality, and power in Assam. It forces a critical question: How does a state balance its constitutional duty to protect its citizens’ rights with its legitimate concerns about uncontrolled migration and its impact on local demographics and resources?

Sarma’s government is attempting to walk a tightrope. On one side is the legal framework provided by the Assam Accord and the Supreme Court, which mandates action against illegal immigration. On the other is the immense social and political risk of being perceived as targeting a minority community. The term “Miyan” itself has become a potent political symbol, loaded with historical baggage and contemporary fears.

For his supporters, Sarma is a strong leader finally taking concrete steps to address a problem that has been ignored for too long. For his detractors, he is a dangerous figure using a legal pretext to advance a majoritarian agenda that threatens the state’s pluralistic ethos. You can read more about the complexities of identity politics in our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:assam-identity-politics].

Conclusion: A Divided State at a Political Crossroads

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s defense of his Miyan remark by citing the Supreme Court has done little to quell the storm. Instead, it has pushed the debate into a more complex arena where law, history, and raw politics collide. While the legal precedent he cites is real and significant, the political and social consequences of his chosen language are equally potent. As Assam stands at this crossroads, the path forward will require not just legal clarity but also immense political wisdom and a commitment to social harmony that transcends electoral calculations. The nation watches closely, as the outcome will shape not just Assam’s future, but also the discourse on citizenship and identity across India.

Sources

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