Influx from Bangladesh primarily by ‘majority community’ workers: Himanta

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 2, 2025

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed on Wednesday that the recent influx from Bangladesh into Assam comprises primarily members of the Muslim-majority community and not the Hindu minority. He attributed this trend to the economic collapse, especially the breakdown of the textile industry in Bangladesh.

Addressing the media in Guwahati, Sarma stated that the collapse of Bangladesh’s textile industry has forced many workers, who are part of the majority community there, to seek employment in India.

“These workers aim to join textile factories in Tamil Nadu, lured by industry owners offering cheap labour incentives,” he said.

Sarma emphasized that Hindu minorities from Bangladesh, despite facing atrocities, have not been migrating to Assam recently.

“Hindu minorities have shown maturity and patriotism, and none have entered Assam over the last five months,” he added.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to create a supportive atmosphere for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

According to Sarma, 20 to 30 people have been attempting to cross the border illegally into Assam and Tripura each day over the past five months.

The Assam government, rather than arresting the infiltrators, has been pushing them back to Bangladesh.

Sarma described the situation as “alarming” and emphasized that the central government is closely monitoring it. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent economic migrants from straining India’s resources.