Assam CM raises concerns over demographic shifts, calls for population balance

Guwahati: During the 78th Independence Day celebrations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed serious concerns about the state’s demographic changes, stating that the future of Assam may be at risk due to a shifting population balance between Hindus and Muslims.

Speaking after hoisting the national flag, Sarma highlighted the growing anxiety among indigenous communities, who, according to him, are becoming increasingly defensive as the demographic landscape changes.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Hindus are now a minority in 12 to 13 districts of Assam.

Sarma cited recent population data to underscore his concerns, noting that in 2021, the Muslim population in Assam had risen to 41 percent, while the Hindu population had declined to 57 percent.

He warned that if current trends continue, the Hindu population could further decrease to 50 percent, down from a previous range of 60-65 percent.

The remaining population comprises Christians and other smaller communities.

The Chief Minister called for the strengthening of state governance to protect the interests of indigenous people and emphasized the need for all communities to adhere to family planning norms.

He urged vigilance against practices such as polygamy, which he suggested should be discouraged across all sections of society.

As part of the Independence Day observances, Sarma later paid tribute to martyrs and freedom fighters at Shraddhanjali Kanan, underlining the significance of their sacrifices for the nation’s freedom.