Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma is being called a “polariser” for saying he is “going to take sides” because “he won’t let Miya Muslims take over Assam”. The use of the term “Miya” which has been ascribed a “discriminatory label” has sparked a major furore. But aside from the row over the use of an impolitic term, is Assam CM right about flagging a “take over”?
In Assam, the Muslim population is growing 46% faster than the Hindu population rate of growth between 2001-2011.
The TFR for Hindus is 1.9 and for Muslims it is 2.4. The TFR has declined for both communities between 2001 to 2011. If this is the case what explains the higher growth rate of the Muslim population? Many studies show it is rampant illegal migration from Bangladesh. This influx is observable as it has affected a significant demographic shift. Some reports claim it has led to the exodus of Hindus from certain Muslim dominated districts to the cities. Here are some eye-opening district level statistics.
- Dhubri district: Highest percentage of Muslim population (79.67% as per 2011 census)
Dhubri district: Hindu population declined from 34.22% (1991) to 20.33% (2011) - South Salmara-Mankachar district: Significant Muslim population (95.22% as per 2011 census)
Hindu population declined from 4.53% (1991) to 2.17% (2011) - Goalpara district: Substantial Muslim population (53.71% as per 2011 census)
Hindu population declined from 44.15% (1991) to 36.29% (2011) - Barpeta district: Notable Muslim population (59.43% as per 2011 census)
Hindu population declined from 38.44% (1991) to 30.57% (2011) - Nagaon district: Sizeable Muslim population (34.76% as per 2011 census)
Hindu population declined from 63.65% (1991) to 55.24% (2011) - Karimganj district: Significant Muslim population (52.53% as per 2011 census)
Hindu population declined from 45.45% (1991) to 37.47% (2011) - Hailakandi district: Substantial Muslim population (60.31% as per 2011 census)
Hindu population declined from 37.35% (1991) to 29.69% (2011) - Cachar district: Notable Muslim population (43.19% as per 2011 census)
Hindu population declined from 54.74% (1991) to 46.81% (2011)
Demographic shift has a definite impact on the national character of a country. Here are some examples.
- Quebec, Canada: Shift from French to English-speaking population, influencing language and cultural identity.
- Singapore: Rapid influx of Chinese immigrants transformed the country’s ethnic composition, shaping its cultural and economic landscape.
- Germany: Influx of refugees and immigrants from Middle Eastern and African countries has sparked debates about national identity and cultural integration.
- Kosovo: Serbs were the majority until the 1990s, when Albanians became the dominant population due to conflict and displacement.
- Eritrea: Christians were the majority until the 1960s, when Muslims became the dominant population due to migration and government policies.
(Courtesy: Rahul Shivshankar)
