GUWAHATI: In a significant move, the Assam cabinet has given the green light for a socio-economic survey targeting the state’s indigenous Muslim population. This decision follows the Himanta Biswa Sarma government’s recognition of five communities as “indigenous Assamese Muslims” last year.
The Directorate of Char Areas Development, set to be renamed the Directorate of Minority Affairs and Char Areas, will conduct the socio-economic assessment of these “indigenous” Muslims, as outlined in a recent cabinet note.
As per the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute over 34% of Assam’s population, ranking third among all states and Union Territories, after Lakshadweep and J&K. With a total population of 3.1 crore, Assam is home to over 1 crore Muslims. However, only about 40 lakh are considered native Assamese-speaking Muslims, while the rest are immigrants of Bangladeshi origin, speaking Bengali.
Last October, the Himanta government announced plans for this socio-economic assessment, aiming to guide measures for the comprehensive upliftment of the state’s indigenous minorities. The government had earlier classified Goria, Moria, Jolah (tea garden residents only), Desi, and Syed (Assamese-speaking) communities as native Assamese Muslims, based on recommendations from sub-committees formed by the state government.
These communities, who converted to Islam between the 13th and 17th centuries, have faced marginalization and sought recognition as original inhabitants of Assam. The recent decision aims to address their concerns and pave the way for targeted socio-political and educational development.
