New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised a shift in the definition of "Assamese" where he stressed the necessity of broadening the definition to include individuals who have resided in the northeast state for generations, such as Hindi speakers and members of the tea tribes, news agency PTI reported.
CM Sarma underscored the importance of launching a mass movement to reassure the Assamese populace that the community's identity could be preserved through emphasis on "quality."
He made the remarks during a programme where rehabilitation grants were disbursed to surrendered ULFA cadres under the ULFA Peace Accord.
Commenting on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Sarma expressed his backing for the legislation, while acknowledging the opposition it faces in Assam.
"We must consider both perspectives. Criticising individuals for either supporting or opposing the CAA is unwarranted. Those against the CAA should seek recourse through legal channels, such as approaching the Supreme Court, rather than disrupting the peace and harmony in Assam," Sarma said.
Attributing the demographic changes in Assam not to Central government policies but to infiltration from Bangladesh, Sarma speculated that according to forthcoming census reports, Assamese people might constitute only about 40% of the population.
"The situation in Assam is not due to some policy of the Central government but due to infiltration from Bangladesh, which changed the demography of the state. When the census report comes, Assamese people will be only about 40 per cent of the population," PTI quoted Sarma as saying.
He reiterated the need to redefine Assamese identity, acknowledging the long-standing presence of communities like the tea tribes and Hindi speakers in the region. Despite potential declines in population figures, Sarma expressed confidence in the community's ability to unite and uphold its identity.
"A mass movement is needed so that we can convince the people that though we do not have the numbers, with quality we can keep our Assamese identity alive," PTI quoted the chief minister as saying.
Sarma also praised the ULFA leadership and cadres for reintegrating into mainstream society, encouraging those still engaged in armed struggle to follow suit. He extended an invitation to Paresh Barua, chief of the ULFA (I), to spend time in Assam, suggesting that the experience might dissuade him from returning to Myanmar or China.
"I always ask Paresh Barua to come and spend 10 days in Assam. After that he will not want to return to Myanmar or China," he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of adopting a rational approach over emotional impulses to propel the state towards development.