Future of Assam 'not secure,' warns CM Sarma on I-Day

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grave concerns on Thursday regarding the state's future, citing a rapid decline in the Hindu-Muslim population balance.

 

Speaking during the 78th Independence Day celebrations after hoisting the Tri-Colour, Sarma stated that indigenous communities have entered a "defensive mode" due to demographic changes, claiming, "We are a minority in 12-13 districts."

 

Sarma reported that the Muslim population in Assam increased to 41% in 2021, while Hindus have dropped to 57%. He warned that the Hindu population could decline further, projecting it to fall to 50% from its previous range of 60-65%.

 

The Chief Minister called for collective action to restore the population balance, urging all communities to adhere to family planning norms and to be cautious against polygamy.

 

"In such a crisis phase, I am trying to bring back the population balance," he stressed.

 

Sarma asserted that without a strong state government, indigenous people feel endangered in their own land.

 

"I am not the sunlight, but I will stand like a candle of hope to protect the interests of indigenous people till my last breath," he vowed.