look news india
Guwahati/Hyderabad. The statements made regarding the ‘Mian’ community have once again created a stir in the politics of Assam. Opposition parties have slammed the government after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s controversial remarks against the Mian community recently. In particular, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized the Chief Minister’s statement, calling it against the dignity of the post and inhuman.
What was the statement of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma?
The Chief Minister of Assam had given a strange advice during a meeting to force the people of Mian community to leave the state. He had said that if someone from this community drives a rickshaw or auto and he asks for Rs 5, then give him only Rs 4. Sarma argued that as long as they had to face such minor problems, they would leave the state.
Later the Chief Minister clarified that people of Bangladeshi origin cannot work on Indian land. Linking it to the law and security of the state, he said that he is only talking about those who are living here illegally.
Asaduddin Owaisi’s ‘superpower’ jibe
Owaisi hit back at Himanta Sarma’s statement and called it an insult to Indian citizens. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government. ‘Developed India’ Questioning the resolution of the said:
Dignity of Chief Minister: Owaisi asked whether a Chief Minister can talk like this? He reminded that those being called ‘Mians’ were brought by the British 150-200 years ago for farming and they are legal citizens of India.
Economy and Auto Driver: Owaisi tauntedly said, “On one hand you talk about becoming the third largest economy in the world and building a house on the moon, while on the other hand you are hesitant in giving even a single rupee to a poor auto driver. How small is your thinking?”
Atmosphere of fear: Owaisi alleged that the country currently needs honesty and hope, but the BJP government is creating an atmosphere of doubt and fear.
Historical roots of ‘Mian’ controversy
In Assam, the term ‘Mian’ is generally used to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims whose ancestors came from undivided Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) and settled in Assam. Over the past few years, the term has become central to the controversy over identity and citizenship in Assam politics.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has often been highlighting the difference between the ‘Mian’ community and the indigenous Assamese culture in his rallies, which the opposition has termed as politics of polarization.