Assam CM Sarma targets reporter’s Muslim identity as a threat to state’s survival

The Journalist Association For Assam has condemned Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s behaviour towards journalist Shah Alam, following remarks targeting Alam’s religious identity during a press interaction in Guwahati.

The press body has appealed to Sarma not to repeat such comments, emphasising the need for respectful and professional dialogue. The Gauhati Press Club has also expressed concern over a troubling trend of "disparaging responses" from political leaders towards journalists who ask questions, highlighting a broader issue of growing hostility in media interactions.

The incident occurred when Alam questioned Sarma about alleged hill-cutting in Mandakata, part of Sarma’s Jalukbari Assembly constituency. This query was related to Sarma’s earlier accusations against Mahbubul Hoque, the chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), whom Sarma had blamed for recent floods in Guwahati.

After inquiring about the reporter’s name, Sarma linked him and USTM's Mahbubul Hoque to a common factor, allegedly their religion, to target his religious identity, questioning how Assam would survive in such a situation for long, suggesting his religious bigotry to portray Muslims as the curse of the state.

Experts and residents have contested Sarma’s claims, arguing there is no substantial evidence linking the university’s activities to the flooding.

In response to Alam’s question, Sarma inquired about the journalist’s name and made remarks that many have interpreted as targeting Alam’s religious identity. This reaction has drawn significant criticism from media bodies, which have urged political figures to maintain professionalism and avoid introducing irrelevant personal characteristics into their interactions with the press.

In addition to the controversy surrounding his comments, Sarma has discussed potential implications for USTM graduates seeking state government jobs. He proposed that graduates from USTM might need to pass an additional examination to qualify for employment, a measure under review by the state’s legal department. This policy may also extend to graduates from other out-of-state universities.