Muslims are not the minority in Assam, says the chief minister, referring to Hindus in Kashmir

Guwahati: Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today made another statement sure to stir controversy, saying that Muslims account for 35 percent of the state's population and should no longer be considered a minority. Furthermore, he referenced the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Hindus, saying "it's the duty of Muslims" in the state to assuage fears of other communities that Assam might become as dangerous as it is in the Bollywood film 'The Kashmir Files'.

"Today people from Muslim community are leaders in opposition, MLAs and have equal opportunity and wield power. So, it is their duty to ensure that the rights of tribal people are protected and their lands are not encroached upon. There is no need to encroach on the lands of tribals residing in the sixth schedule area. If Bora and Kalita (Assamese surnames) have not settled on those land, Islam and Rahman (Muslim surnames) must also refrain from settling in those lands.," Mr. Sarma said this during a debate in the Assam assembly concerning the Governor's address:

"Power comes with responsibility," the Chief Minister also said, adding that Muslims constitute 35 per cent of Assam's population, so it is "their responsibility to protect the minorities.".

"The Assamese people are under fear. There is fear that culture and civilisation will be protected. Harmony is two-way traffic. Let Muslims talk about the protection of Sankari culture, Sattriya culture...there will be harmony. Ten years back, we were not minorities but now we are," Mr Sarma added.

Sarma compared the situation to that of Kashmir's Hindu refugees, saying "People ask me if Assamese people will face the same fate as Kashmiri Pandits. Ten years down the line, will Assam be like it is shown in the Bollywood movie 'The Kashmir Files'? It is the duty of Muslims to allay our fear. Muslims must behave like a majority and give us assurance that there will be no repeat of Kashmir here."

Since several BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister, have praised Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Kashmir Files,' BJP states have exempted it from entertainment tax and have begun actively promoting it.

Additionally, the Chief Minister of Assam watched the movie with his cabinet colleagues and he announced on Tuesday that state government employees would be allowed to take a half-day break to watch it. Even Prime Minister Modi defended the film, which is based on the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the valley in the 1990s.