Protests Planned in Assam Against Targeting of Indian Muslims

Protests Scheduled in Assam

Guwahati, June 1: The North East Minorities Students Union (NEMSU) has declared its intention to hold two protests in Assam, denouncing what they perceive as the government's ongoing discrimination and persecution of Indian Muslims.

NEMSU's president, Badrul Islam, announced that the first protest will coincide with Eid on June 7, occurring at various Eid-gahs throughout the state, followed by a significant statewide demonstration on June 11.

“We anticipate around one crore members of the Muslim community to join the June 11 protest against the recent injustices faced by our community,” he informed the media.

Islam noted that the decision to organize these protests was reached during a meeting of several minority organizations held on Saturday.

“While we oppose illegal immigration from Bangladesh, we cannot condone the persecution of Indian citizens under the guise of combating infiltration. We have resolved to conduct peaceful protests across the state on June 11 to protect the rights and safety of Indian Muslims,” he stated.

He criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for neglecting critical civic issues like inflation, flooding, and water-logging, while allegedly prioritizing “communal politics” for its political gain.

“The BJP government has not addressed vital issues such as rising prices or flood management. Instead, it has consistently targeted the Muslim community, labeling them as ‘Miyas’, treating them as second-class citizens, and conducting religiously motivated crackdowns,” he remarked.

Islam also called for the return and rehabilitation of all Indian citizens who were mistakenly deported to Bangladesh under suspicions of being illegal immigrants.

“Those who have been arrested or forcibly sent back without due legal process must be brought home. They are not criminals; they are citizens of India and should not be treated as such,” he asserted.

The planned protests are set against the backdrop of the state government's recent announcement of a “pushback” policy towards illegal infiltrators, as stated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in May, which has faced significant backlash.

This policy has been met with strong criticism from opposition figures, particularly from the AIUDF. South Salmara-Mankachar legislator Aminul Islam recently submitted a memorandum to the Governor, advocating for a legal and humanitarian approach.

As Assam prepares for the dual protests on Eid and June 11, minority groups are urging for dialogue and a rights-based approach, cautioning against what they perceive as an escalating atmosphere of mistrust and exclusion.