Assam to conduct caste census of seven native Muslim communities

Time of India

06-05-2025

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Guwahati: Ahead of the proposed nationwide caste census, Assam has initiated preparatory measures to conduct a comprehensive caste census of seven native Muslim communities of the state to distinguish them from Bangladesh-origin immigrant Muslim population.CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took to X announcing the govt's commitment to addressing the long-standing demand of these communities.The proposed caste enumeration aims to document and distinguish the Goria, Moria, Deshi, Syed, and Jolha (Julha) Muslims of the Brahmaputra Valley, along with the Kiren and Maimal Muslims of the Barak Valley.He wrote that these seven communities have consistently maintained that while Islam is their religion, they also possess unique ethnic, linguistic, and cultural traits that clearly differentiate them from migrant-origin or non-indigenous Muslim populations.He added that the indigenous Muslim communities of Assam have long advocated for a caste-based census to assert their distinct socio-cultural identities. "These communities have preserved distinct traditions, dialects, and historical narratives that are deeply rooted in Assam's civilizational heritage and cultural landscape," Sarma said."The caste census is expected to fulfill their decades-old aspiration for formal recognition of their independent identity—distinct from broader religious classifications and migratory groupings," Sarma added.In a significant move last year, the state cabinet recognized the Assamese-speaking Muslims from these seven communities as " indigenous Assamese Muslims " and a sub-group of the greater Assamese community, acknowledging their lack of migration history from either erstwhile East Pakistan or present-day Bangladesh.While the indigenous Muslims are estimated to constitute approximately 37% of the state's Islamic population, the immigrant Bengali-speaking Muslims account for the remaining 63%. This caste census initiative is a testament to the state's commitment to recognizing and preserving the rich diversity within its borders.The proposed caste enumeration in the upcoming national census is expected to be a milestone in the journey of these indigenous Muslim communities, providing them with formal recognition and a platform to celebrate their unique identities. It is a positive step towards fostering inclusivity, promoting cultural preservation, and ensuring that the voices of these communities are heard and their contributions to Assam's vibrant tapestry are acknowledged and celebrated.