Muslims must ensure Assamese do not end up like Kashmiri Pandits: CM Himanta

Himanta Sarma refers to The Kashmir Files to underscore the fear of indigenous communities of losing their land

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the Muslims, as the ‘majority’ community in the State, have the responsibility of ensuring that the Assamese do not end up like Kashmiri Pandits.

Responding to a debate in the 126-member Assembly on Tuesday, he alluded to the recently-released Hindi film, The Kashmir Files to drive home his point.

“I am asked if the Assamese people will face the same fate as Kashmiri Pandits in 10 years, whether Assam will be like what has been shown in The Kashmir Files. It is the duty of the Muslims to behave like a majority and assure us that there will be no repeat of Kashmir here,” Mr. Sarma said.

He tried to justify the ‘majority’ tag for Muslims.

“Today, Muslims are leaders in opposition, have equal opportunity and wield power. So, it is their duty to ensure that the lands of the tribal people are not encroached upon,” he said.

Stating that with power comes responsibility, the Chief Minister said Muslims are 35% of Assam’s population, more than any other community.

“What responsibility do we have? We are a minority, and minorities fear losing land, everything. We are living in fear. It is your duty to allay our fear,” Mr. Sarma said, advising Muslims to stop thinking of themselves as outsiders and focus on integration and communal harmony.