A petition has been moved before the Supreme Court by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind challenging remarks made by Himanta Biswa Sarma, which the petitioner has described as inflammatory and divisive. According to the petition, the statements attributed to the Assam Chief Minister promote hostility and deepen social divisions between two communities within the state.
The plea refers specifically to comments allegedly made by Sarma on January 27, in which he spoke about the possibility of removing nearly four to five lakh “Miyan” voters from the electoral rolls. Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has argued that such remarks amount to targeted hate speech and have the potential to marginalise a particular section of the population.
In its submission, the organisation has also objected to the repeated use of the term “Miyan,” stating that, in the context of Assam, the word is commonly used in a derogatory and offensive manner against Muslims, particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims. The petition contends that the language used by a person occupying a constitutional office carries significant influence and responsibility, and that such terminology can legitimise prejudice and discrimination.
Jamiat has urged the Supreme Court to take a firm view of the matter and issue appropriate directions to ensure strict action, so that individuals holding constitutional positions refrain from making statements that could incite hatred or threaten communal harmony in the future.
The petition further notes that Sarma later intensified his remarks by stating that “Miyas” would continue to face “trouble” for as long as he remained the Chief Minister of Assam. He reportedly went on to suggest that creating sufficient difficulties for them would compel them to leave the state altogether. The term “Miya” is widely understood to refer to Bengali-speaking Muslims residing in Assam.
Addressing members of the media during a government programme, Sarma was quoted as saying that if he continued to remain in Assam, this group would not be able to live peacefully. He allegedly added that only by creating persistent problems would they be forced to relocate elsewhere.
Sarma has also reportedly maintained that those he referred to as “Miyas” are “illegal Bangladeshis” and asserted that such individuals should not be permitted to work in the state. These assertions, the petition argues, reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to an atmosphere of fear and exclusion among a specific community.
