Muslim community and leftist organisations allege the decision disregards history, disrupts official documentation, and targets districts with Muslim identities
NEW DELHI – Assam has been gripped by a fresh wave of controversy as the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the renaming of Karimganj district to Shribhumi. The decision has provoked widespread protests, primarily from the local Muslim community and leftist organisations, who view the move as a deliberate attempt to erase the area’s historical and cultural identity.
Residents took to the streets in large numbers, holding placards and chanting slogans opposing the renaming. The protests included students from schools and colleges, reflecting the depth of opposition across age groups. “This is not just a name; it is our history and our identity,” said Mohammad Irfan, a local schoolteacher participating in the demonstration. “Changing the name of Karimganj to Shribhumi disregards our heritage and offends the Muslim community here.”
Left-wing organisations have also criticised the government’s decision. “Karimganj is historically significant and linked to generations of local residents. Renaming it without consultation shows utter disregard for the people who live here,” stated Rakesh Sharma, a spokesperson for a regional leftist group. Protesters highlighted how the sudden renaming has caused practical difficulties, including issues with official paperwork, government documentation, and administrative processes.
Authorities attempted to control the demonstrations, deploying police to prevent escalation. Minor clashes were reported between the police and protesters, although the situation remained largely under control. Karimganj, being located near the international border with Bangladesh, is considered a sensitive district, and any unrest can have wider implications.
Local Muslim residents voiced concerns that the renaming was part of a broader political agenda targeting areas with Muslim populations. “It feels like we are being erased from our own land,” said Ayesha Begum, a college student attending the protest. “We have lived here for generations. The government should respect our identity instead of imposing new names that have no connection with our history.”
This incident follows a wider trend in India where towns, districts, and stations with Muslim-identifying names have been renamed, particularly in BJP-governed states. While previous renaming efforts have occurred, the scale of opposition in Karimganj is unprecedented, reflecting deep-seated resentment among local communities. Analysts argue that such renaming drives, framed under cultural or historical justification, often fuel communal tensions and can disrupt administrative functioning in affected areas.
“The government should engage with the people and respect local sentiment,” added Farhan Ahmed, a local community leader. “Renaming Karimganj without consultation is not only insensitive but politically motivated. We demand the name be restored immediately.”
The BJP government, however, maintains that the renaming aligns with broader administrative reforms and cultural considerations. Critics argue that these explanations do not address the grievances of residents who feel marginalised.
In conclusion, the renaming of Karimganj to Shribhumi has sparked a significant backlash from the Muslim community and leftist organisations, highlighting the sensitive intersection of politics, identity, and history in Assam’s border districts. As protests continue, the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider the decision or engage in dialogue with the local population.
