GUWAHATI — As Assam awaits the counting of votes following the recent Assembly elections, student organisations representing sections of the Muslim community have appealed to the next government to act with fairness and restraint.
Leaders from the North East Minority Students Union and the Muslim Students Union of Assam raised concerns over past actions and urged that such measures should not continue once the new government takes office.
Nurul Islam, executive president of NEMSU, said the focus should be on support rather than fear. “The vote counting is on 4th May. After that, whichever government comes to power, we appeal that it should not run bulldozers on Muslim homes or force people to leave under any pushback policy,” he said.
He also referred to actions taken under the government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma of the Bharatiya Janata Party. “Many earlier measures caused deep distress. People were labelled, and several families suffered. Such steps should not continue,” he added.
Echoing similar concerns, Jalaluddin, president of MUSA, said the incoming government must act responsibly. “Whichever party forms the government should not demolish Muslim homes or carry out pushback policies,” he said.
He added that concerns were not limited to one political party. “Whether it was the Indian National Congress or the BJP, previous governments have taken actions that affected Muslims. This has created fear among people,” he said.
The term “pushback policy” has been used by some groups to describe measures related to identifying and deporting alleged undocumented migrants to neighbouring Bangladesh. However, officials have maintained that such actions are carried out in accordance with legal procedures.
There has been no official response so far from government authorities to the latest appeal by student unions.
With results expected soon, community leaders say they hope the next government will prioritise relief, protection and equal treatment for all citizens.
