Assam CM Raises Citizenship Questions Linked to Mother Tongue of Bengali-Speaking Muslims

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked controversy by suggesting a connection between the declared mother tongue of Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam and their citizenship status. He stated that the government’s efforts to identify non-citizens could be aided by examining whether Bengali-origin Muslims list Assamese as their mother tongue in official documents.

Mother Tongue Declaration as a Potential Indicator of Citizenship

Sarma’s comments imply that those of Bengali origin who do not claim Assamese as their mother tongue might be subject to further scrutiny regarding their citizenship. This has raised concerns among the Bengali-speaking Muslim community in Assam, who fear potential discrimination and targeting.

Implications for the Bengali-Speaking Muslim Community

The implications of this statement are far-reaching and could impact a significant population within Assam. Critics argue that language should not be used as a sole determinant of citizenship, and this approach risks marginalizing linguistic minorities. The government has not yet clarified the specific measures that would be taken based on mother tongue declarations.