HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Aug 4: Bir Lachit Sena leader Shrinkhal Chaliha on Monday warned that attempts by “certain indigenous Muslims” to shield alleged illegal Bangladeshi settlers in Sivasagar could trigger communal tension in the otherwise peaceful district.
Addressing the media, Chaliha claimed no Hindu families had rented houses to suspected illegal migrants in areas such as Amolapatty, Phukan Nagar and Ganakpatty, whereas “many indigenous Muslim households” had allegedly provided shelter to “Miya” settlers in Muslim-dominated areas.
He cautioned against harbouring such migrants, asserting that Assamese youth were acting independently of any political party and were determined to protect the state from illegal settlers even if it meant taking “extreme steps”.
Chaliha further criticised Yusuf Tamuli, who had recently defended the rights of Miya Muslims in Sivasagar through the media, saying they were Indian citizens entitled to live anywhere in the country.
Tamuli had condemned youth leaders demanding the ouster of Miya settlers from the district.
Meanwhile, the Bir Lachit Sena along with more than a dozen local organisations has launched a drive in specific areas to identify alleged illegal Bangladeshi migrants.