Controversy Erupts in Assam Over Language Identity of Bengali-origin Muslims

On June 12, a significant controversy emerged in Assam when three literary organizations, representing the Bengali-origin Muslim community, urged their members to officially declare Assamese as their mother tongue in the ongoing Census. This plea is not a new phenomenon; for decades, individuals of Bengali descent in Assam have identified as Assamese in census records, primarily to foster integration with the local populace and mitigate the prevalent biases against perceived outsiders.

However, Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma swiftly dismissed this appeal, labeling it as a ‘fraud’ aimed at manipulating identity claims. Speaking to reporters in Dispur, Sarma questioned the authenticity of such declarations, arguing, “What good is it if one does not speak Assamese at home yet lists it as their mother tongue?” He emphasized that the survival of the Assamese language does not rely solely on the declarations of community members, suggesting that even if only 20% of the state’s demographics identify with Assamese, the language will persist.

This statement has sparked severe backlash from Assamese writers and civil society groups who contend that the historical contributions of Bengali-origin Muslims to the Assamese language and culture should not be overlooked. They argue that the notion of Assamese identity has evolved over time, shaped significantly by the interactions and integrations of various communities, including the Muslims of Bengali ancestry who settled in Assam during the late 19th century.

Critics of Sarma’s remarks highlight that the cultural amalgamation in Assam is a testament to the pluralistic nature of the region. They assert that dismissing the linguistic identity of Bengali-origin Muslims undermines the essence of Assamese identity itself, which has always been inclusive of diverse influences. Proponents of recognizing Assamese as a mother tongue for these communities argue that language is not merely a means of communication but a vital component of cultural identity that fosters belonging and unity.

The ongoing debate underscores the complexities surrounding identity politics in Assam, particularly amidst a backdrop of historical grievances and contemporary societal challenges. As the Census progresses, the outcome of this issue may have lasting implications for communal relations in the state as well as the future of Assamese identity itself.

Source: scroll.in