By: Dipak Kurmi
The situation in Assam presents a deeply complex and historically rooted narrative that has become more pronounced in recent times. Assam, a state in India’s northeastern region, has witnessed significant demographic and cultural shifts over the past several decades, driven by various socio-political and historical factors. The tension between indigenous communities and those who have migrated to the region from erstwhile East Bengal, East Pakistan, and present-day Bangladesh has culminated in a fraught environment where indigenous populations often feel marginalized, threatened, and, in many cases, fearful for their lives.
The Historical Context: Immigration and Demographic Shifts: The roots of this situation can be traced back to the early 20th century when Assam was clubbed with the newly created Bengal province in 1905 by Lord Curzon. This period saw the first major influx of “land-hungry” Muslim peasants from East Bengal into Assam. Over time, these migrants settled in various parts of Assam, leading to significant demographic changes in the region. The tension between the indigenous Assamese communities and these migrants has persisted since, with several flashpoints marking the relationship between the two groups.
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The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a significant chapter in this ongoing conflict. Led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and other local organizations, the movement aimed to stop the influx of illegal immigrants and protect the rights of the indigenous population. However, this period was also marked by violence, with several incidents where immigrants were accused of attacking villages of indigenous communities. These attacks often involved looting, arson, and heinous crimes such as rape and kidnapping, further deepening the divide between the two communities. The cases of Chamaria in South Kamrup and Mangaldoi in Darrang are often cited as glaring examples of such violence.
The Recent Developments: Fear and Insecurity: Fast forward to the present, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over the safety and security of indigenous communities in the state. According to Sarma, these communities, particularly in areas where they are minorities, are living under the constant shadow of fear. He has pointed out that crimes against indigenous people, especially women, have seen a disturbing rise, allegedly encouraged by a section of the population post the Lok Sabha elections.
The case of Dhing, a small town in Assam, exemplifies the ongoing struggle between the indigenous Assamese population and the migrants. The area, once inhabited by close followers of the Assamese saint-scholar Sankaradeva, has seen a significant demographic shift over the past few decades. The story of the Kobaikata Satra, a Vaishnavite monastery near Dhing, is particularly telling. Over a period of about twenty years, the local indigenous population was reportedly driven out by immigrants through a systematic campaign of thefts, burglaries, kidnappings, rapes, and threats. Today, only a small portion of land remains where the naamghar (prayer hall) of the Satra stands, with the surrounding areas now dominated by the migrant population.
This pattern of demographic invasion, as some call it, is not isolated to Dhing alone but is seen across various parts of Assam and the broader northeastern region. The fear is that such incidents are part of a larger design to push out the remaining indigenous populations, thereby altering the demographic and cultural landscape of Assam.
The Sibsagar Incident: A New Dimension to the Conflict: While the issue of indigenous versus migrant communities continues to simmer, a new dimension to the conflict emerged recently in Sibsagar, another town in Assam. Here, a community was compelled to apologize for the actions of a few individuals who were accused of assaulting a minor female arm wrestler. The incident, which took place on 13 August, sparked outrage as the entire community (in this case, the Marwari community) was held accountable for the crime of a few. What made this incident particularly controversial was the fact that the apology was extracted in the presence of a state minister, leading to allegations of communal bias and further stoking tensions between different communities in Assam.
This incident was seen by some as an example of “Asomiyagiri,” a term used to describe the domination of the Assamese community over others. It highlighted the deep-seated resentment that exists among some sections of the Assamese population towards non-Assamese residents, whom they view as outsiders. However, this attitude was quickly condemned by a large number of Assamese intellectuals and social media users, who argued that such divisive ideologies were harmful to the social fabric of Assam. They called for a more inclusive approach that respected the cultural diversity of the state while also addressing the genuine concerns related to illegal immigration.
The Dhing Rape Case: A Test of Justice: As if to underscore the volatile situation in Assam, another horrific incident occurred in Dhing, where a minor girl was allegedly gang-raped by suspected migrants on 22 August. This incident sent shockwaves across the state, leading to widespread protests and demands for justice. The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) led the charge, organizing a bandh (shutdown) in Dhing to protest against the increasing crimes against women in the region. The AASU president, Utpal Sarma, expressed deep concern over the failure of law enforcement agencies to protect the indigenous population and called for stringent action against the perpetrators.
In response to the public outcry, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed the state police to take swift action against the accused. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when one of the accused died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody. According to reports, the accused drowned while trying to escape from custody, raising questions about the circumstances of his death and whether it was a case of extrajudicial killing.
The Way Forward: A Call for Rational Discourse: The situation in Assam is a complex and sensitive issue that requires a balanced and rational approach. On the one hand, there is a genuine concern about the changing demographics of the state and the threat it poses to the cultural identity of the indigenous population. On the other hand, there is a need to ensure that justice is not compromised in the name of protecting cultural identity. The recent incidents in Sibsagar and Dhing highlight the dangers of communalism and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
The Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA), a forum of nationalist citizens in northeast India, has called for a more nuanced approach to the issue. They have urged the Assamese population to support a corrected National Register of Citizens (NRC) with the base year of 1951, to ensure that all illegal immigrants can be identified and dealt with according to the law. The PPFA has also criticized the tendency among some Assamese leaders to be overly lenient towards illegal immigrants while being harsh on other non-Assamese communities, such as Hindi-speaking residents. They argue that this double standard only serves to weaken the Assamese cause and alienate potential allies in the fight to protect Assam’s cultural identity.
Navigating a Complex Reality: Assam stands at a crossroads, grappling with issues of identity, immigration, and communal harmony. The state’s history is marked by a continuous struggle to protect its cultural and demographic integrity against external influences. However, in doing so, it must also navigate the complex realities of a diverse society, where different communities coexist and contribute to the state’s rich cultural mosaic.
The incidents in Dhing and Sibsagar are stark reminders of the challenges that lie ahead. The path forward requires not just strong leadership but also a collective commitment to justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law. Only by addressing the root causes of these conflicts and fostering a spirit of mutual respect and understanding can Assam hope to overcome the divisions that threaten to tear it apart. (The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
