Panels ask Assam government to issue ID cards, census to identify Assamese Muslims as distinct community

The panel also recommended that a separate Directorate/Authority be set up for Assamese Muslims so that the Directorate could provide necessary documentation to the people of the Assamese Muslim community to reflect their distinct identity and it may be in the form an identity card or a certificate.

Consequent upon formation of sub-committees for the overall development of indigenous Assamese Muslim community in Assam, the seven sub-committees submitted their reports containing their recommendations to Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma at a programme held at Janata Bhawan in Guwahati on Apr 21.

“The five sub-groups of Assamese Muslims – Syed, Goriya, Moria, Deshi and Julha – should be clearly mentioned and recognized in the government notification. A provision similar to the Article 333 of the Indian Constitution may be enacted to provide representation of Assamese Muslims in Parliament and Assam Legislative Assembly, an Upper House (Legislative Council) may be created in Assam as per Article 169 of the Indian Constitution and once the Legislative Council is formed, specific number of seats may be reserved for Assamese Muslim community in this council,” the Sub-Committees set up by the state government recommended.

The state government under Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma held an interaction with the eminent personalities from indigenous minority communities across the state last year.

The sub-groups were thus constituted as a decision of the meeting to undertake a study and give recommendations on cultural identity, health, education, skill development, population stabilization, financial inclusion and women empowerment submitted their reports.         

The sub-committees after their study, framed report containing their recommendations and submitted the same to the Assam Chief Minister.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)