Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has emphasized that Bengali-speaking Muslims must relinquish practices such as child marriage and polygamy if they aspire to be recognized as 'khilonjiya,' or indigenous, people of the state. Sarma, previously, attributed these social issues to the Bengali-speaking Muslim community in Assam, many of whom trace their origins to Bangladesh.
Addressing the issue, Sarma stated, "Whether 'Miyas' (Bengali-speaking Muslims) are indigenous or not is a separate debate. What we're asserting is that if they aim to be considered 'indigenous,' they must abandon child marriage and polygamy, and actively promote women's education." The term 'Miya,' originally derogatory, has been reclaimed by activists from the community in recent times.
Highlighting Assamese cultural norms, Sarma emphasized the reverence for girls, equating them with 'shakti' (goddesses), and reiterated that polygamy is not part of Assamese tradition. "I often convey that there's no issue with 'Miyas' being recognized as indigenous, provided they refrain from having multiple spouses. Such practices do not align with Assamese culture," Sarma reiterated.
Moreover, Sarma stressed that Bengali-speaking Muslims embracing Assamese customs would facilitate their acceptance as 'indigenous' inhabitants of the state. The state government's crackdown on child marriage revealed instances where elderly men had multiple wives, often marrying young girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
With a commitment to eradicate underage marriage by 2026, Sarma's administration initiated strict measures against this practice. This included repealing the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, which previously allowed marriage registration for individuals below the legal age.
Despite opposition criticism, including accusations of polarizing tactics ahead of elections, Sarma's government remains resolute in its efforts to address social issues. Plans to introduce legislation against polygamy were discussed, with an expert committee's recommendations and public feedback guiding the proposed bill. Additionally, Sarma voiced support for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam, although some parties viewed the focus on polygamy legislation as diversionary and communal amidst ongoing discussions on the UCC by the Law Commission.
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