Assam's future not safe, Hindu-Muslim population balance eroding: Himanta
By : Manoj Anand
Update: 2024-08-15 06:56 GMT
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday expressed concern over the declining population balance between Hindus and Muslims in the state.
Addressing the gathering after hoisting the national flag in thre independence Day’s celebration at Khanapara, Mr Sarma said that the Hindu population is decreasing and urged adherence to family planning norms and polygamy prevention to restore balance, emphasizing the insecurity felt by the state's indigenous people.
Expressing his concerns about the future security of the state due to a rapidly changing population balance between Hindus and Muslims, Mr Sarma highlighted a significant demographic shift, pointing out that Muslims now constitute 41 percent of the population while Hindus account for 57 percent, down from previous levels.
Mr Sarma said that the indigenous people of Assam are increasingly feeling threatened due to these demographic changes.
He stated, “The future of Assam is not secure for us. The Hindu-Muslim population balance is declining fast. The Muslim population in 2021 rose to 41 per cent, while the Hindus were down to 57 per cent. The rest is shared by Christians and other communities.”
In his speech, Mr Sarma also emphasized that the Hindu population is gradually decreasing from 60-65 percent to potentially 50 percent. He urged all communities to adhere to family planning norms to restore population balance.
He stated, “In such a crisis phase, I am trying to bring back the population balance. I request all Hindus, Muslims and others to follow the family planning norms. We should be aware against polygamy by all sections of the society.”
Mr Sarma also pointed out that in 12 to 13 districts of Assam, Hindus have become a minority. He reiterated that he was committed to protect the indigenous people's interests. “In 12-13 districts, we have become a minority. If there is no strong state government, the indigenous people feel danger at every step. I am not the sunlight, but will stand like a candle of hope to protect the interest of indigenous people till my last breath,” he asserted.
Addressing the gathering after hoisting the national flag in thre independence Day’s celebration at Khanapara, Mr Sarma said that the Hindu population is decreasing and urged adherence to family planning norms and polygamy prevention to restore balance, emphasizing the insecurity felt by the state's indigenous people.
Expressing his concerns about the future security of the state due to a rapidly changing population balance between Hindus and Muslims, Mr Sarma highlighted a significant demographic shift, pointing out that Muslims now constitute 41 percent of the population while Hindus account for 57 percent, down from previous levels.
Mr Sarma said that the indigenous people of Assam are increasingly feeling threatened due to these demographic changes.
He stated, “The future of Assam is not secure for us. The Hindu-Muslim population balance is declining fast. The Muslim population in 2021 rose to 41 per cent, while the Hindus were down to 57 per cent. The rest is shared by Christians and other communities.”
In his speech, Mr Sarma also emphasized that the Hindu population is gradually decreasing from 60-65 percent to potentially 50 percent. He urged all communities to adhere to family planning norms to restore population balance.
He stated, “In such a crisis phase, I am trying to bring back the population balance. I request all Hindus, Muslims and others to follow the family planning norms. We should be aware against polygamy by all sections of the society.”
Mr Sarma also pointed out that in 12 to 13 districts of Assam, Hindus have become a minority. He reiterated that he was committed to protect the indigenous people's interests. “In 12-13 districts, we have become a minority. If there is no strong state government, the indigenous people feel danger at every step. I am not the sunlight, but will stand like a candle of hope to protect the interest of indigenous people till my last breath,” he asserted.