Assam Sahitya Sabha Responds to Controversial Remarks

Jorhat, July 10: In light of escalating tensions following comments made by a student leader from the All BTC Minority Students’ Union (ABMSU), the Assam Sahitya Sabha has firmly asserted that the language and identity of the Assamese people are inviolable.

In response to Mainuddin Ali's assertion that Bengali-speaking Muslims would opt for Bengali over Assamese in electoral rolls, potentially diminishing the status of Assamese as the majority language, Dr. Basanta Kumar Goswami, President of the Sahitya Sabha, questioned the legitimacy of the ABMSU.

"Is the ABMSU even officially registered in Assam? No matter their claims, the Assam Sahitya Sabha will not yield to intimidation. The Assamese will never be a minority in their homeland as long as we are here," Goswami stated.

He also disclosed that the Sabha has been developing a strategic initiative over the past six months aimed at preserving Assamese identity, which is set to be rolled out in phases starting this October.

Goswami criticized those who, after benefiting from Assam's resources, now challenge the rights of the indigenous population. "Any land that has been illegally occupied must be vacated. The Assamese language will endure and flourish. This is our resolute challenge to such so-called organizations," he declared.

Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned Ali's remarks, warning of repercussions if there are attempts to replace Assamese with Bengali in electoral documentation. "Language should not be weaponized for coercion. Assamese is a permanent state and official language. If Bengali appears on voter rolls, it will merely serve to highlight the number of foreigners in Assam," the Chief Minister remarked.

Following public backlash, the ABMSU has suspended Mainuddin Ali, distancing itself from his controversial statement, which they described as contrary to the organization's principles and ideals.

The uproar began during a protest against eviction efforts in Kokrajhar on July 9, when Ali claimed that Bengali-speaking Muslims would no longer identify as Assamese in electoral rolls, a statement that struck a nerve in Assam's already delicate linguistic and political environment.