Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is found to have embodied a form of Muslim hate, again came out targeting the Muslims in the state with an appeal to people to avoid buying fish produced by 'Miya Muslim' fish producers.
The reason he laid down, as reported by many news outlets, is that they use urea fertilizer to produce fish, a practice he argues contributes to a rise in kidney diseases. This is despite the fact that he is the Chief Minister of the state, who could take action against those who engage in such practices instead of overtly calling for a boycott of the Muslim community.
He suggested that Assamese consumers should favour fish produced in Upper Assam, where organic methods are encouraged.
Fish is a staple in Assam's diet, with significant production centred in Nagaon, Morigaon, and Cachar, areas where Muslim entrepreneurs play a substantial role in the fishery industry.
This incident follows a recent contentious decision by the Assam Legislative Assembly to eliminate the two-hour Jumma prayer break on Fridays, altering the assembly's schedule to start at 9:30 am.
The move faced backlash from Opposition parties and critics across various states, who accused Sarma of seeking publicity. The Chief Minister defended the decision as a necessary reform, positioning it as a departure from colonial-era practices. The combined impact of these events highlights ongoing tensions within Assam's political and social landscape.