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Assam CM Warns of Identity Crisis, Urges Public to Lead Protection Fight

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed serious concern over a growing identity crisis, stating the Assamese community is becoming a minority in regions historically ruled by Mahabir Chilarai and Maharaj Naranarayan. He cited aggressive encroachment and demographic changes as key threats, urging citizens to take leadership in protecting their heritage beyond government measures. Sarma highlighted the Garukhuti land reclamation as just the start of a longer struggle, noting the Koch Rajbongshi community's similar challenges. He paid tribute to historical figures like Chilarai and Lachit Barphukan as inspirations for overcoming present-day challenges.

Key Points: Assam CM on Assamese Identity Crisis & Public Leadership

  • Identity crisis for Assamese community
  • Erosion in historic Chilarai-Naranarayan region
  • Public must lead, not just government
  • Garukhuti land drive is a beginning
  • Koch Rajbongshi community also struggling
2 min read

Assamese people must lead the fight to protect identity: CM Sarma

Assam CM Himanta Sarma says Assamese are becoming a minority in historic regions, urges people to lead the fight to protect identity and heritage.

"The Assamese community is facing an identity crisis. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Feb 1

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday flagged what he termed a growing identity crisis for the Assamese community, asserting that people must now lead the fight to protect Assamese identity as the community is turning into a minority in regions historically ruled by Mahabir Chilarai and Maharaj Naranarayan.

Addressing the 516th Biswa Mahabir Chilarai Divas celebrations at Pipora Dookan in Darrang district, Sarma expressed serious concern over what he described as aggressive encroachment and demographic changes in large parts of the Chilarai-Naranarayan region.

He said areas once central to Assam's political and cultural history are witnessing a steady erosion of indigenous presence.

"The Assamese community is facing an identity crisis. In regions once ruled by Chilarai and Naranarayan, Assamese people are now becoming a minority," the Chief Minister said, urging citizens not to depend solely on the government to safeguard their heritage and identity.

He said that while the state government has been working over the last five years to reclaim lost identity, this struggle cannot be won by administrative measures alone.

"The government can initiate action, but people must take leadership of this movement," Sarma said, describing the Garukhuti land reclamation drive as only the beginning of a longer struggle.

Highlighting the situation of the Koch Rajbongshi community, he said that in the undivided Goalpara district, the community is struggling to protect its identity, while vast areas of the erstwhile Koch kingdom have been encroached upon by immigrants from Bangladesh.

Paying rich tributes to Mahabir Chilarai, the Chief Minister described him as not just a fearless military commander but a visionary architect of Assam who laid the foundations of the state's cultural, spiritual and social renaissance.

He said Chilarai's patronage of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev ignited a cultural awakening, with the creation of the iconic 'Vrindavani Vastra' standing as a lasting symbol.

Calling Mahabir Chilarai and Lachit Barphukan eternal sources of inspiration, Sarma said their courage and sacrifice must guide Assamese society in overcoming present-day challenges and preserving its civilisational legacy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While protecting identity is crucial, the government's primary job is to ensure peace and development for all citizens. The focus should be on inclusive growth, not rhetoric that might create further divisions. Let's be careful with such narratives.
A
Arun Y
As a Koch Rajbongshi, I appreciate that our community's struggle was mentioned. Our history, language, and traditions are being erased in our own lands. The Garukhuti drive is a good start, but much more needs to be done on the ground.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to read about Chilarai and Sankardev. The cultural history of Assam is so rich. But the solution can't just be about reclaiming land. How about more cultural programs, language schools, and museums to strengthen identity positively?
V
Vikram M
True. We cannot always look to Dispur for everything. Community action is key. Every Assamese family should make an effort to teach their children the language and history. Our identity is in our own hands.
K
Kavitha C
The issue is complex. Yes, illegal immigration is a problem that needs a firm policy. But we also have to ensure that genuine Indian citizens from other states living in Assam for work are not targeted. Balance is needed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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