Muslim community warns of ghettoisation and financial hardships, comparing new SOP to Gujarat’s controversial Disturbed Areas Law
GUWAHATI — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has approved a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that bans direct land and property transactions between Hindus and Muslims in the state. According to the new rules effective Wednesday (August 27), any purchase or sale of land between individuals of different religions will require prior approval from the district’s Deputy Commissioner (DC).
Officials say the step is aimed at preventing disputes over property. However, critics argue it unfairly targets the state’s Muslim community and mirrors the controversial Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat, which has long been criticised for promoting segregation and legal hurdles for Muslims.
“This law will make life extremely difficult for ordinary Muslim families,” said Abdul Rahman, a resident of Guwahati. “Even if we follow all the procedures, we might face months or years of legal troubles before we can take possession of a property. It feels like we are being treated as second-class citizens in our own country.”
The SOP means that if a Hindu wishes to buy land from a Muslim, or vice versa, both parties must first submit an application to the DC. The DC then decides whether the transaction can proceed. While the government claims it to be a precautionary measure, many experts fear the SOP will encourage social isolation and ghettoisation.
The Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat, in force since 1986, was introduced to prevent communal riots. Under the act, property transactions in areas deemed “disturbed” require collector approval. Amendments in 2019 made the rules stricter, demanding both buyer and seller prove that deals are not under duress or fraud.
“Looking at Gujarat, we see a pattern of discrimination against Muslims,” said Fatima Shaikh, a legal rights activist. “Even after following legal procedures, many Muslim families have been denied possession of properties in Hindu-majority areas. This law in Assam could lead to similar hardships.”
Incidents in Gujarat highlight these concerns. In 2023, a property bought by a Muslim woman, Shahnaz Begum Syed, in Surat, was sealed due to lack of permission, causing financial loss and prolonged legal battles. Similarly, a sale in Vadodara required months of litigation after Hindu organisations objected on religious grounds.
Ahmedabad, Juhapura, and Bharuch are cities where Muslim families frequently face difficulties acquiring property in Hindu-majority areas. “It is no longer a question of choice,” said Imran Ali, a resident of Juhapura. “Muslim families are being confined to specific areas, and this is creating fear and insecurity.”
Ghettoisation is the process of restricting a community to a limited area due to social, cultural, or economic identity. Legal experts and social analysts argue that Assam’s new SOP could create similar divisions.
“Muslims in Assam already face challenges in housing and employment,” said Dr Sana Qureshi, a sociologist. “This law will restrict property options, force communities to live in confined areas, and deepen the sense of exclusion. We must not repeat the mistakes of Gujarat here.”
While the Assam government maintains the SOP is a preventive measure to avoid communal tension, residents and civil rights activists warn that it could institutionalise discrimination and harm the state’s social fabric.
“This decision divides people on the basis of religion,” said Mohammad Imtiaz, a local businessman. “It is a step backward for harmony and integration in Assam. Muslim families are already vulnerable; this law adds unnecessary barriers and stress.”
With growing concern over potential ghettoisation and financial difficulties, the Muslim community in Assam is bracing for a long struggle, hoping that justice and equality will prevail despite new legal obstacles.
