Assam CM Plans to Repost Controversial Video Targeting Muslims

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced plans to repost a controversial video depicting him symbolically shooting at Muslims, now labeling them as 'Bangladeshis'. This video, initially shared by the BJP's Assam unit, faced backlash and was removed due to its provocative content. Sarma defended the video, claiming it was accurate but needed clarification on the identities of those depicted. As Assam approaches its Assembly elections, this incident has sparked significant political and social discourse, with various parties filing complaints against the CM. The situation raises questions about the implications of such rhetoric in the context of ongoing debates about immigration and identity in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 08:58 IST

Controversial Video Resurfacing

On Thursday, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, announced his intention to repost a contentious video where he symbolically shoots at two Muslim individuals, now referring to them as 'Bangladeshis'.

This video was initially shared by the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 7, featuring footage of Sarma with rifles alongside AI-generated visuals depicting Muslims as targets.

The video included provocative phrases such as 'Foreigner free Assam', 'No mercy', and 'Why did you not go to Pakistan?', along with a message stating 'There is no forgiveness to Bangladeshis'. Following backlash on social media, the clip was removed.

Both the Congress party's Assam unit and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen lodged complaints against Sarma and the BJP for the video's content. Additionally, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India approached the Supreme Court regarding the matter.

In an interview with a Media Channel, Sarma defended the video, asserting it was accurate but should have labeled the individuals as 'Bangladeshi'. When reminded that shooting at undocumented migrants is illegal, he clarified that the act was merely 'symbolic'.

Sarma stated, 'To prevent Bangladeshis from infiltrating Assam, the Chief Minister must symbolically shoot at them.' He explained that the video was taken down because it failed to use the term 'Bangladeshi', making it 'legally and constitutionally incorrect'.

He promised to rectify this and repost the video, this time from his personal account rather than the BJP's official one.

These remarks come as Assam prepares for its Assembly elections, anticipated in April.

Dilip Saikia, the head of the BJP's Assam unit, previously stated that the video was removed due to being 'unauthorized' and 'immature', as reported by a Media House on February 12.

One of the co-convenors of the Assam BJP's social media team was also dismissed in relation to the video.

Saikia emphasized the party's concern regarding 'illegal immigrant Bangladeshis in Assam', advocating for societal action against this issue. However, he clarified that the party does not endorse targeting Muslims with violence.

On February 11, Sarma reiterated that he and the BJP do not oppose Assamese Muslims but are against Bangladeshi Muslims, specifically referring to 'Miya Muslims'. He noted that the video should have clearly distinguished between Bangladeshi and Indian Muslims.

In Assam, 'Miya' is often used derogatorily to describe undocumented immigrants, particularly those of Bengali descent, who are frequently accused of being illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Once a term of endearment among South Asian Muslims, 'Miya' has been reclaimed by the community to refer to Muslims who migrated to Assam during the colonial period.

In recent weeks, Sarma has made several controversial statements regarding Miyas, including claims about his responsibility to 'make them suffer' and directing BJP members to seek the removal of Miya Muslims from electoral rolls.

However, in February, the Supreme Court declined to entertain petitions requesting a first information report against Sarma for alleged hate speech directed at Muslims.