Summary
In Assam, India, the local government demolished homes in a predominantly Muslim area, affecting people identified as Indigenous Assamese Muslims. The state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), previously recognized these communities as native to Assam. The demolitions raise questions about the government's treatment of different Muslim communities ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Facts
- Akram Ali's home was demolished by bulldozers in Bongora, Assam, affecting his community.
- The demolitions made 400 families homeless on land meant to be protected for Assam's Indigenous people.
- The Goriyas, one of the Indigenous Muslim subgroups, mainly live in Assam's tea belt.
- Assam has a significant Muslim population, comprising more than a third of its total population.
- The BJP recognized five Muslim subgroups as Indigenous to Assam in 2022.
- Bengal-speaking Muslims in Assam are often called "miyas" and face government crackdowns.
- Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has assured that the government's actions target only "miyas."
- The BJP is seeking support from Indigenous Muslims for the upcoming state legislative assembly election.
