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News18
04-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
Who Are Assam's Indigenous Muslims And How Are They Different From Miya Muslims?
Last Updated: While indigenous Assamese Muslims and Miya Muslims share a religion, their histories, languages, settlement patterns, and political affiliations are sharply different Assam's Muslim population, now estimated at over 1.18 crore, accounts for nearly 34 per cent of the state's total population. Yet, they are far from a singular group. Broadly, Assam's Muslims fall into two categories — the indigenous Assamese Muslims, who have lived in the region for centuries and are culturally part of the Assamese-speaking mainstream, and the Miya Muslims, who trace their roots to Bengali-speaking migrants who settled in the state during and after colonial rule. While the two communities share a religion, their histories, languages, settlement patterns, and political affiliations are sharply different. Over the last few years, the Assam government has taken formal steps to underline this difference and, in the process, stoked fresh controversy around who is indigenous, who is not, and what that means in one of India's most politically sensitive states. Who Are The Indigenous Muslims? The indigenous Muslims of Assam are groups that trace their presence in the region to well before British colonisation, some as far back as the 13th-century Ahom kingdom. In July 2022, the Assam Cabinet, based on recommendations from a government-appointed subcommittee, formally recognised five such sub-groups: Goria, Moria, Deshi, Syed, and Julha. Each of these groups has a distinct origin. The Goria and Moria are believed to include war captives, local converts, and artisans integrated into Assamese society during the Ahom era. The Deshi community traces its ancestry to Ali Mech, a tribal chieftain who converted to Islam during Bakhtiyar Khilji's 1205 invasion. The Syeds are descendants of Sufi saints, most notably Azaan Pir, who settled in Assam in the 15th and 17th centuries. The Julhas were weavers brought from regions like Bihar, Odisha, and Bengal during both the Ahom and British periods. Despite these varied lineages, what unites these communities is their language, Assamese or dialects like Goalpariya, and their cultural assimilation. Most follow local customs, observe Assamese festivals, and consider themselves part of the larger Assamese-speaking population, alongside Hindus. The subcommittee estimated that these five groups account for around 42 lakh of Assam's Muslim population. But politically, they have limited influence. Their dispersed settlement means they do not form a majority in any single constituency, restricting their ability to assert themselves as an electoral bloc. Who Are The Miya Muslims? The Miya Muslims, by contrast, are Bengali-speaking Muslims whose ancestors migrated from East Bengal, now Bangladesh, in successive waves. The earliest of these migrations was encouraged by the British, who brought settlers to cultivate the fertile riverine islands of the Brahmaputra, known locally as char-chaporis. These were followed by post-Partition migration in 1947, and again during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Today, the Miya Muslims are spread across Lower and Central Assam, forming the majority in over 30 of the state's 126 Assembly constituencies. Though the term 'Miya" originally meant 'gentleman," it has taken on a derogatory connotation in recent decades, often used to imply foreignness. While many in the community have tried to identify as Assamese Muslims or Bengali-origin Assamese, the label persists, both as a marker of community pride and of political othering. The Miya community is often associated with the char-chaporis, where they've built agrarian livelihoods under precarious conditions. Despite contributing to Assam's economy, they are frequently stereotyped, particularly during debates around illegal migration and citizenship. Many began listing Assamese as their mother tongue as early as the 1951 Census, in an attempt to integrate. Yet, suspicions persist, particularly over land rights, linguistic identity, and political alignment. A Rising Political Demographic In the most recent development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned that the Muslim population in the state could soon rival that of Hindus if current growth rates continue. Citing Census data, he claimed that while Muslims made up 34 per cent of Assam's population in 2011, only three per cent of them were indigenous Muslims. The remaining 31 per cent, he said, were of migrant origin. Sarma projected that if the current demographic trend holds, Assam could reach a 50:50 population split between Hindus and Muslims by 2041. 'This is not my take, it is just the Census result," he told reporters in Dibrugarh, adding that the data pointed to a clear demographic shift. As per the 2011 Census, Assam's Muslim population stood at 34.22 per cent (1.07 crore), while Hindus made up 61.47 per cent (1.92 crore) of the state's 3.12 crore population. The BJP has repeatedly pointed to rising Muslim-majority districts as evidence of shifting demographics. The number of Muslim-majority districts rose from six in 2001 to nine in 2011. Some leaders claim the number has now risen to at least 11, though the 2021 Census data is yet to be released. How The State Is Drawing The Line The Assam government's recognition of indigenous Muslims came after years of internal demand. A subcommittee on their cultural identity recommended exclusive development schemes, identity certification, a separate census, and even reservation in jobs and education. According to CM Sarma, these measures are necessary to preserve the distinctiveness of Assamese Muslims, a group he says has been clubbed unfairly with migrant-origin Muslims. Indigenous Muslim organisations like the All Assam Goriya-Moriya Deshi Parishad have welcomed the move, citing a long struggle to protect their cultural identity. But critics argue that the policy serves political ends. Parties like the AIUDF, which draws much of its support from Miya-dominated areas, accuse the BJP of weaponising identity to divide the Muslim population. Groups representing Barak Valley's Kachari Muslims and Manipuri Pangals have also criticised their exclusion from the 'indigenous" label, despite claiming centuries of residence in Assam. The Char-Chaporis And The Struggle For Belonging The heart of the Miya community's settlement lies in the Brahmaputra's char-chaporis, islands that are constantly reshaped by the river's shifting course. Life here is precarious and often disconnected from the state's infrastructure and services. Yet, over decades, the Miya Muslims have built thriving agricultural communities through sheer resilience and labour. Despite this, they continue to be viewed by many, including sections of indigenous Muslims, as outsiders. Even their attempts to assimilate, through language adoption or cultural participation, have often been met with scepticism. A Fragmented Political Landscape top videos View all The political influence of the two communities is also uneven. Indigenous Muslims, though officially recognised and long-settled, are spread out and seldom vote as a bloc. They have supported the Congress, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and sometimes the BJP, but without concentrated leverage. In contrast, Miya Muslims have been a decisive voting group, often backing the AIUDF. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the party won 15 seats, mostly from Muslim-majority constituencies in Lower Assam. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Assam Muslims view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 04, 2025, 15:06 IST News explainers Who Are Assam's Indigenous Muslims And How Are They Different From Miya Muslims? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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News18
28-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Assam To Give Arms Licence To Indigenous People In Minority-Dominated Areas: CM Sarma
Last Updated: The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day, where the proposal received formal approval Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced that the state government will begin issuing arms licences to indigenous people living in minority-dominated and vulnerable areas for their security. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day, where the proposal received formal approval. Speaking at a press briefing, Sarma said, 'Today, the state cabinet has decided to give arms licence to original inhabitants and indigenous Indian citizens in vulnerable areas of the state. The state cabinet has approved a new scheme." The Chief Minister also shared the development on social media platform X, stating that the move was aimed at protecting the interests of Assam's 'Jati, Mati, Bheti (community, land, and roots)". In his post, he wrote: 'The #AssamCabinet has today taken a very important decision to protect the interests of our Jati, Mati, Bheti. Arms Licenses will be granted to Original Inhabitants and indigenous Indian people living in vulnerable areas to tackle unlawful threats from hostile quarters." According to the scheme, arms licences will be issued only to applicants who meet certain eligibility criteria, including having no criminal background. The initiative targets individuals in remote and sensitive regions of Assam who are reportedly facing ongoing security threats.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NFSA beneficiaries to get food grain at subsidised rates
1 2 3 Guwahati: The state cabinet on Friday approved several key initiatives, including providing food grain at subsidised rates to National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries from Oct and setting up a dairy plant by AMUL, which is part of an MoU signed during Advantage Assam 2.0. Masoor dal (Rs 69/kg), sugar (Rs 38/kg) and salt (Rs 10/kg) will be provided to NFSA beneficiaries from Oct 2025 in selected districts, while the benefits will be extended to all districts from Nov 2025. Each commodity will be given in separate packets to ensure customers have a choice to purchase individual items. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who chaired the cabinet meeting, shared the decisions on X. "In today's meeting of the #AssamCabinet, we resolved to allow AMUL to set up a dairy processing plant with a capacity of 1 lakh litres/day," he said. The cabinet approved at least 20 bighas of land for setting up a state-of-the-art product dairy farm at the Institute of Farm Management Campus, Rani. The farm will have a capacity of 1 lakh litres per day, at an approximate cost of Rs 75 crore. The cost may also rise to Rs 150 crore. The plant will benefit around 20,000 dairy farmers and is part of an MoU signed during Advantage Assam 2.0. To boost private investment in the state and create more job opportunities, two proposals have been approved under the Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam (IIPA). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible Phone Plans for Small Biz Undo Approximately, 1000 people will be given job opportunities under this initiative. Meanwhile, for part-time ICT instructors, the cabinet approved the "enhancement of monthly honorarium" for 1,313 such instructors under the "Dr Banikanta Kakati Computer Literacy Programme" to Rs 20,000 from Oct this year. The service guarantee has been extended until the age of 60 years. The ICT employees will also be eligible for the Mukhya Mantri Lok Seva Aarogya Yojana, along with Apun Ghar and Apun Bahan schemes.
Mint
15-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Meet Ankita, Assam's new AI anchor that delivered Cabinet highlights including airport renaming, tea garden worker grant
The future of news broadcasting is rapidly evolving, and Assam has just taken a bold step into it. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled 'Ankita', an AI-powered virtual news anchor, who delivered a detailed report on the latest Cabinet meeting — a first for the state and a striking example of how artificial intelligence is reshaping India's media landscape. The announcement came via a video shared by the Chief Minister on social media platform X, where Ankita, with a lifelike digital persona and fluent Assamese voice, presented updates from the Cabinet proceedings. The AI anchor reported on key developments such as the decision to rename Dibrugarh Airport after cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika, as well as the time grant approval for tea garden workers — all delivered with clarity and poise that mirrored human news presenters. 'Meet Ankita, our AI anchor who brings to you the latest updates on the recent #AssamCabinet meeting. From approving the change of Dibrugarh Airport's name after Bhupen Hazarika to a time grant for tea garden workers, we took a host of decisions for the public,' Sarma wrote while posting the clip. Ankita's debut, however, has triggered a mixed wave of reactions online. Supporters of the move hailed it as a testament to Assam's growing embrace of digital transformation. One user remarked, 'This will be an innovation in developed Assam, not only in the roads and streets but also in the field of science and AI.' However, others expressed concern over the implications of such technology for human employment. 'Should have hired a real person — at least this would have created a job opportunity :)' another user commented, highlighting the ongoing debate around automation and unemployment. With Assam's launch of Ankita, the use of AI in Indian newsrooms continues to gain traction. As the technology becomes more accessible, there is a high possibility of more states and organisations following suit. However, the development is also prompting wider discussions on its potential impact on employment within the media sector. For now, Assam's adoption of an AI news presenter signals a growing push toward tech-driven governance and communication.
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Meet Ankita": Himanta Biswa Sarma Shares Video Of AI Anchor Reporting On Assam Cabinet Meeting
The AI era is here, and with it, AI news anchors are becoming a reality, transforming the way we consume news. India's AI news anchor landscape is also rapidly expanding, with numerous channels and organisations adopting digital presenters to deliver news, marking a significant shift in the country's media industry. On Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma showcased Ankita, an AI-powered virtual anchor. The video highlighted Ankita delivering a detailed report on the latest updates from a recent Assam Cabinet meeting. Designed with remarkably human-like features, including a natural appearance and a fluent Assamese-speaking voice, Ankita presented the key decisions and discussions from the meeting with clarity and precision. "Meet Ankita, our AI anchor who brings to you the latest updates on the recent #AssamCabinet meeting. From approving the change of Dibrugarh Airport's name after Bhupen Hazarika to a time grant for tea garden workers, we took a host of decisions for the public," Mr Sarma wrote while sharing the video. Watch the video here: Meet Ankita, our AI anchor who brings to you the latest updates on the recent #AssamCabinet meeting. From approving change of Dibrugarh Airport's name after Bhupen Hazarika to one time grant for tea garden workers, we took a host of decisions for the public. Drop in your views! — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 14, 2025 The video has sparked mixed reactions. While some social media users expressed their excitement about AI's innovation and potential benefits, others were concerned about job displacement for human news anchors and journalists. One user wrote, "Loving how tech is being used to keep citizens informed. Go Ankita." Another said, "Should have hired a real person at least this would have create a job opportunity." A third noted, "Ankita the AI anchor is such a cool concept – making governance updates so much more accessible." AI Anchors And Newsreaders These AI-driven avatars, powered by advanced natural language processing and realistic text-to-speech technologies, deliver news with human-like fluency, tone, and expression. Pioneered in countries like China, where Xinhua's AI anchor "Xin Xiaowei" debuted in 2018, the trend is spreading globally. AI anchors offer 24/7 availability, multilingual capabilities, and cost efficiency, eliminating the need for salaries or breaks. They can be customised to suit diverse audiences, adapting accents or appearances instantly. While AI anchors are unlikely to fully replace humans soon, their integration is reshaping the industry, blending technology with journalism and challenging traditional notions of news delivery in an evolving digital era.
