Delhi Court Issues Notice to Assam CM for Communal Remarks
A Delhi court has issued a notice to Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over provocative remarks about Miya Muslim voters, potentially affecting their electoral status and increasing communal tensions.
Highlights
- •Delhi Court issues notice to Assam CM Himanta Sarma
- •Activist Harsh Mander files petition seeking FIR for alleged communal remarks
- •Sarma's statements include threats of disenfranchisement and potential forced migration for Miya Muslim voters
- •Court agrees to issue notice, scheduling further proceedings on July 15
A Delhi court has issued a notice to Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, following a petition filed by activist Harsh Mander. The petition, seeking an FIR against Sarma for making provocative remarks during a public event regarding Miya Muslim voters in Tinsukia district, reflects ongoing concerns over communal tensions.
Contentious Statements
Sarma's remarks, made on January 27 at an event in Digboi, Assam, allegedly stated that 'four to five lakh Miya voters' would be removed from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. According to Mander, these statements incite against the indigenous Bengali-speaking Muslim community known as 'Miyas,' drawing attention to their status as potential immigrants and the possibility of disenfranchisement.
Mander's petition
During the hearing at the sessions court, Mander's counsel argued against the decision of a lower magisterial court which refused to order an FIR, emphasizing that information related to cognisable offences can be provided to any police station irrespective of the geographical location. The higher court agreed and issued a notice on July 15, 2026, indicating a further investigation.
Despite allegations by Mander, Sarma remains committed to upholding the rule of law and addressing concerns through legal channels. Both parties await further proceedings at the sessions level, which could have significant implications for communal relations in Assam.
