“Miya” is a pejorative term used in Assam to refer to Bengali Muslims. When asked about the 22 constituencies, Sarma mentioned five Bengali Muslim-majority seats.

He reiterated that he would keep pestering “suspected Miyas” as long as he remained in office. “The eviction drive will continue while polygamy will be stopped,” he asserted.

The BJP further claimed that 1.5 lakh bighas of land belonging to “Satras” (Vaishnavite monasteries), forests and tribal communities had been reclaimed through the eviction drive, which largely affected Bengali Muslims.

Meanwhile, the state government and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) reached a consensus on most recommendations of a committee formed to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

“Both the Assam government and the AASU reached consensus on most State-level recommendations of the High-Level Committee, with a new review committee to be formed for timely implementation,” the CMO posted on X after a meeting between both sides on Saturday.

Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, signed between the Centre and the AASU in 1985, promised constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.