Heat on ‘Miya Muslims' in upper Assam following evictions
2
Guwahati: Youth and student organisations in upper Assam's oil, tea, and coal-rich districts have intensified their opposition against 'Miya Muslims,' migrants of Bangladeshi origin settled in the region, following govt-led evictions across the state.
On Tuesday, activists of All Tai Ahom Students' Union (Atasu) intercepted 16 'Miya Muslims' near the Tinsukia ASTC bus stand. The group, originally from Barpeta, Dhubri, and South Salmara Mankachar districts, was reportedly en route to Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Tinsukia for working as masons or labourers.
However, Atasu president Milan Buragohain alleged that their true intention was to occupy govt and forest lands in upper Assam.
The activists forcibly redirected the migrants back to lower Assam districts, underscoring the growing regional tensions.
"They could tell the names of their villages but not specific details of their neighbours, panchayats, etc. They could not even give details of their specific destination also. They are suspected illegal migrants. We are sure that their target was to encroach govt and forest lands," Buragohain told TOI.
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Atasu issued a month's notice to approximately 50 'suspected citizen' families in Molang near coal-rich Margherita in Tinsukia district recently. Buragohain alleged their akas are Bangladesh-origin Muslims plotting to alter upper Assam's demographics.
While 'Miya Muslims' continue to work across upper Assam, leading regional youth organisation Bir Lachit Sena's Shringkhal Chaliha has given a clarion call to remove 'Miyas' from upper Assam.
However, Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi claimed BJP-led govt patronage is creating communal tension in upper Assam and urged residents to avoid Hindu-Muslim conflicts instigated by some 'misguided youths'.
Gogoi criticised certain regional student and youth groups for allegedly disrupting peace for political advantage before the 2026 elections.
A couple of days ago, a group of labourers from Hojai received threats from youth groups with a 24-hour ultimatum to leave upper Assam.
An unidentified regional group leader warned, "You Miyas, I give you 24 hours to leave Sivasagar. Within that period, you will have to leave Sivasagar and go to Hojai. This is my last warning. Otherwise, I will turn life miserable for you."
The outcome regarding 'Miya' labourers remains unclear. But the incident has caused concern in Sivasagar and adjacent districts. Sivasagar SSP Subhrajyoti Borah responded, "No one will be allowed to take law in their hands.
We have taken necessary measures and will go ahead as per law."
While multiple organisations are issuing warnings to 'Miyas', authorities indicate these warnings come from various groups collectively.
Sources said the the Sivasagar district administration is considering official verification of suspected citizens.
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