Scholars and community leaders assert peaceful intentions and constitutional work of Muslim organisations and minority activists
NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has attracted nationwide condemnation as he levelled strong allegations against the Congress, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and other social organisations. Speaking to the media on Sunday, he claimed that these groups are seeking to destabilise Assam in coordination with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“People associated with Congress and Jamaat-e-Islami are visiting Assam, and their agenda is clear: to disturb peace and stability in the state with foreign collaboration,” said Sarma. “We are closely monitoring their movements. We will not let their attempts succeed, as we saw during the NRC (National Register of Citizens) process,” he said.
The chief minister mentioned several individuals by name, including Prashant Bhushan, Harsh Mander, Wajahat Habibullah, Fayyaz Shaheen, and Jauhar Sarkar, alleging that they are meeting with minority community leaders and members of Jamaat-e-Islami across Assam.
He further stirred controversy by warning that if Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Maulana Mahmood Madani were to visit Assam, he would “send him to Bangladesh.” These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Muslim organisations and scholars nationwide.
The context of these statements is important. In recent weeks, the Assam government has demolished homes and religious structures belonging to Bengali-speaking Muslims, claiming to target illegal residents from Bangladesh. These measures have created widespread anxiety and resentment among the Muslim population.
Community leaders report that such actions disproportionately affect lawful residents as well, creating fear and uncertainty. “People’s homes are being demolished on the basis of questionable documents, and it is frightening for families who have lived here for generations,” said one local resident, requesting anonymity.
The NRC has previously triggered similar tensions, and critics warn that the current measures may revive communal anxieties. Observers have noted that statements by political leaders targeting Muslims contribute to social unrest rather than resolving legal or administrative issues.
Founded on 26 August 1948, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind emerged after the original Jamaat-e-Islami, established by Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi, split following the Partition of India. In the Indian context, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind positions itself as a purely da’wah, educational, and social movement. Its stated objective is the reformation of individual and collective life according to Quranic and Sunnah principles, aiming to build a society grounded in justice, goodness, and peace.
Unlike many political organisations, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has consistently stayed away from electoral politics. Instead, the movement focuses on religious and moral education, modern schooling, social welfare, and disaster relief. It also works to promote national unity and interfaith dialogue, aiming for harmonious coexistence across India’s multi-religious population.
Najamul Huda Sani, a history graduate from Jamia Millia Islamia, commented on the current political climate, saying, “This is a misrepresentation by the BJP and its workers. They neither understand history nor politics. They only know how to spew and spread venom. Such people should study history before making baseless accusations.”
Similarly, scholar Dr Faizan Shahid stated, “The words of such venomous people should not be heeded. Ignorant individuals who have no knowledge of society or history are spreading hatred. If they understood the social and political realities, they would not speak in this manner.”
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind recently passed a resolution condemning Chief Minister Himanta Sarma’s statements. They demanded official action against him and even called for his removal from the position of chief minister, highlighting the seriousness of his comments.
Community organisations across India have rallied to defend the peaceful work of Muslim groups, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. Leaders emphasised that their activities have always adhered to constitutional norms and contributed to India’s social fabric.
“Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is a respected organisation that educates our youth, provides social services, and promotes harmony between different religious communities,” said an organisation’s spokesperson. “It is unfair and dangerous to label our work as destabilising. We hope the government recognises the peaceful intentions of our activities.”
Legal analysts have raised concerns over Himanta Biswa Sarma’s public remarks. According to Dr Ayesha Qureshi, a constitutional law expert, “Statements targeting specific communities without evidence can incite unrest and may be legally challenged. Political leaders have a duty to ensure their speech does not provoke hatred against minority groups.”
Similarly, advocate Tariq Anwar added, “Alleging links between Indian Muslim organisations and foreign powers without proof is irresponsible. Democracies rely on informed debate, not on inflammatory accusations that divide communities.”
Assam has a long history of communal tensions, particularly concerning Bengali-speaking Muslims. While some disputes relate to immigration and citizenship issues, historians note that Muslims in Assam have contributed significantly to education, trade, and local governance for generations.
“Muslims are an integral part of Assam’s identity,” said historian Prof Zafar Ali. “They have helped preserve cultural diversity, contributed to the economy, and taken part in social welfare. Targeting them politically undermines the state’s social cohesion.”
Religious scholars also highlight that Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has repeatedly emphasised peaceful and legal engagement. Maulana Mahmood Madani, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief, stated, “Our organisation has always worked within the law. We provide education, social services, and guidance for moral living. Claims against us are baseless and misleading.”
Observers say that Himanta’s statements appear to be politically motivated, particularly given the upcoming local elections and sensitive demographic dynamics in Assam. Analysts warn that vilifying minority communities for political gain can inflame tensions and trigger social unrest.
“Statements like these have consequences beyond politics,” said political analyst Ravi Shankar. “They affect the daily lives of ordinary Muslims who are simply trying to live and work peacefully in their own homes. Such rhetoric may lead to harassment, discrimination, and unnecessary fear.”
Civil society organisations have called for calm and urged the Assam government to ensure that constitutional rights are respected. They have also stressed that the enforcement of laws regarding illegal immigration must be carried out without targeting specific religious communities.
Many community leaders insist that engagement through dialogue and adherence to the constitution are the only ways to maintain peace. “It is essential that political leaders respect the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion,” said Najamul Huda Sani. “We must reject hatred and work together to uphold India’s democratic principles.”
Dr Faizan Shahid added, “Muslim organisations have consistently promoted education, welfare, and social harmony. Misrepresentation of their work harms the very fabric of Indian society. We call on responsible leaders to acknowledge the contributions of these organisations rather than spread baseless accusations.”
Scholars, activists, and community members across the country are urging the Assam government to focus on protecting citizens’ rights rather than engaging in divisive politics. They stress that Islam in India has a long history of coexistence, scholarship, and service, and such achievements should be recognised rather than attacked.
As the controversy continues, it is clear that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s allegations have created anxiety within Assam’s Muslim community and drawn nationwide attention. Muslim organisations, scholars, and civil society leaders have united in defending constitutional, peaceful, and educational initiatives carried out by groups like Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.
The debate now centres on whether political leaders will prioritise communal harmony and lawful governance, or continue to inflame tensions with unfounded accusations. For the people of Assam, particularly the Muslim minority, the hope is that justice, dialogue, and respect for constitutional rights will guide government actions, ensuring that communities can live without fear of harassment or discrimination.
“Muslims in Assam have lived peacefully for generations,” said Prof Zafar Ali. “Our work, our faith, and our commitment to the nation deserve respect, not baseless vilification. We hope cooler heads will prevail.”
