New Delhi: Controversial remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma referring to “Miya Muslims” a term used for Bengali speaking Muslims in the state, have triggered sharp criticism and a formal police complaint.
The complaint has been filed by Harsh Mander, a peace and justice activist and writer, who accused the chief minister of making statements that promote hatred, discrimination and fear against a particular community. Mander stated that Sarma’s public remarks made on January 27 were aimed at stigmatizing Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam and could disturb communal harmony during the ongoing Special Revision (SR) process in the state.
In his complaint, Mander has sought registration of an FIR under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including:
- Section 196: Promoting enmity between groups and acts prejudicial to harmony
- Section 197: Statements prejudicial to national integration
- Section 299: Malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
- Section 302: Uttering words intended to wound religious feelings
- Section 353: Statements conducing to public mischief
He has urged authorities to take prompt legal action and conduct a proper investigation. He also requested immediate steps to prevent similar statements in the future, especially as administrative processes related to citizenship and population verification are underway in Assam.
Former Chief Justice Raises Constitutional Concern
Former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Govind Mathur, has also weighed in on the issue. Commenting on the controversy, he said that any public authority who spreads fear, exclusion or hatred risks undermining the foundations of the Indian Republic. He emphasized that constitutional values require political leaders to uphold unity, equality and respect for all communities.
Justice Mathur’s remarks underline growing concern among legal experts and civil society groups over the impact of such statements on social cohesion and constitutional principles.
Complaint Filed in Delhi
According to a press note issued by Mander, the complaint was submitted at the Hauz Khas Police Station in New Delhi. As of now, there has been no official confirmation on whether an FIR has been registered or what further action has been taken by the police.
Political and Social Reaction
The issue has sparked debate across political and social circles, with critics arguing that the remarks deepen divisions in Assam, where questions of language, migration and identity remain sensitive. Supporters of the chief minister have not issued a detailed response so far regarding the complaint.
Observers note that the controversy comes at a time when the state is dealing with complex citizenship and demographic issues, making public discourse particularly sensitive.
Call for Responsible Public Speech
Civil rights groups have reiterated that elected leaders must exercise restraint in public communication and avoid language that could stigmatize or marginalize communities. They argue that freedom of speech does not extend to promoting hostility or fear against any religious or linguistic group.
The matter now awaits action by law enforcement authorities, with activists seeking clarity on whether the complaint will lead to formal investigation or prosecution.
