The BJP government’s focus on Bengali-speaking Muslims fuels social tensions, evictions, and identity crises in the state
NEW DELHI – For decades, seven indigenous Muslim communities in Assam have struggled to preserve their distinct identity in the face of growing confusion and hostility linked to the Bengali-speaking immigrant Muslim population. Now, with the Central Government’s recent decision to conduct a caste census across the country, these communities hope for official recognition that will safeguard their cultural, linguistic, and ethnic uniqueness.
The indigenous Muslim communities of Assam — the Goria, Moria, Deshi, Syed, Julaha in the Brahmaputra Valley, and Kiren and Maimal in the Barak Valley — have long voiced their demand for a state-level caste census to separate their identity from that of Bengali-speaking Muslims often labelled as illegal immigrants. Their calls gained traction when the Assam BJP government acknowledged these seven communities as “indigenous” in July 2022. However, despite this official recognition, the state government has yet to conduct an effective census to clarify population numbers and protect these communities’ interests.
Moinul Islam, president of the Sadou Assam Goria Jatiya Parishad, explained the gravity of the situation: “Indigenous Muslims cannot be clubbed with Bengali-speaking Muslims who came to Assam from Bangladesh or East Pakistan. We are different both linguistically and culturally. The first step to protect our identity is an accurate census of the community.” He added, “According to our assessment, the population of the Goria community is around 10 to 11 lakh, but some people are putting it higher. Many Bengali Muslims who have learnt Assamese or married into our community are now calling themselves Gorias.”
The need for a separate caste census has become urgent as Bengali-speaking Muslims, often referred to as ‘Miyans’, face widespread vilification. The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has increasingly targeted this population, accusing them of illegal land occupation in tribal areas and launching eviction drives. These actions have resulted in the displacement of hundreds of families and violent clashes, including deaths.
Rajib Chowdhury, publicity secretary of the indigenous Muslim Council, stressed the demand for official inclusion: “We demand that Assamese Muslims be included as Other Backward Classes (OBC) after a proper caste census and be given reservation in education, employment and political representation like other local communities.”
Chief Minister Sarma has publicly affirmed the need for a caste census, highlighting the distinctiveness of these seven indigenous communities despite their shared religion. “These communities have preserved their distinct traditions, dialects and historical narratives, which are deeply rooted in Assam’s civilisational heritage and cultural landscape,” Sarma said.
The indigenous Muslim population makes up about 37% of Assam’s Muslim community, while the Bengali-speaking migrant Muslims form the remaining 63%. The proposed ethnic census as part of the upcoming national census could be a vital step towards formal recognition and protection for these indigenous groups.
Nevertheless, while the indigenous Muslims seek recognition and protection, Bengali-speaking Muslims face increasing hostility. Evictions in Kamrup and Goalpara districts have uprooted hundreds of families, with the government accusing these communities of illegally occupying tribal lands. Protesters have clashed with police, resulting in fatalities, and the BJP government’s strategy appears to leverage religious polarisation ahead of the 2026 state elections.
“The BJP government is using the Bengali Muslims as scapegoats,” said a local human rights activist, who wished to remain anonymous. “Instead of protecting vulnerable labourers, the administration is encouraging division and fear. It is unacceptable that people are told they need local approval to move within their own state.”
The escalating tensions have left many Bengali Muslims feeling unsafe and marginalised, while indigenous Muslims continue their struggle for distinct recognition. The upcoming caste census offers a critical opportunity to address these divisions by acknowledging Assam’s complex social fabric with accuracy and fairness.
Moinul Islam urged the central government to expedite the caste census process: “If the government delays, these indigenous communities risk losing their identity forever. It is not just about numbers, but about recognising who we are and preserving our culture for future generations.”
