'Why can't an Assamese worker...': Himanta tells contractors to hire local workers instead of 'Miya Muslims'

Himanta Biswa Sarma

• Assam CM Sarma urges PWD to hire local workers over Miya Muslim labourers
• Sarma claims local Assamese workers can handle major infrastructure projects
• CM openly encourages harassment of Miya Muslims, sparking controversy

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has once again sparked controversy by taking aim at the state’s ‘Miya Muslim’ community, urging Public Works Department (PWD) contractors to prioritise local labourers over workers from Dhubri and other parts of lower Assam. The remarks come amid heightened political rhetoric ahead of elections.

Addressing reporters, Sarma drew on historical symbolism to justify his push for greater local participation in infrastructure projects. “If Lachit (an Ahom commander) can win the Saraighat war, why can't an Assamese worker construct a bridge? The time has come to change that mindset. The technical works of Bogibeel bridge were done by local Assamese 'Mising' workers. The Bogibeel bridge construction work was done 100 per cent by our local Mising workers.”

He claimed that Assamese workers are already proving themselves in high-tech industries, citing ongoing projects in the state. “Many Assamese workers are working at the semiconductor unit at Jagiroad. I want to ensure the economic stability of the Assamese community with infrastructure development. I have told PWD contractors to change the scenario by engaging more local workers. To do work in Majuli, we have to hire workers from Dhubri. The local workers should be given opportunity and training,” Sarma said.

According to the chief minister, the state government is actively exploring ways to reduce reliance on migrant labour. “We are looking at this and taking all slew of measures to change it.”

The term ‘Miya Muslims’ is commonly used in Assam to refer to Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh who are alleged to be living illegally in the state. Sarma has increasingly centred this group in his political messaging, repeatedly raising the issue at public events in recent weeks.

In the latest remarks, Sarma was referring to Muslim labourers from districts such as Dhubri and Barpeta, who have for decades played a significant role in supplying construction workers across Assam. Industry observers point out that these workers are often hired because they accept lower daily wages compared to local labourers, making them a preferred choice for contractors.

The chief minister has gone a step further by openly encouraging citizens to harass members of the community. “Trouble the Miya Muslims by any means. If they face trouble, they will go from Assam. If I want to trouble a Miya, I go at 12 am. It's not an issue. We are directly against them. We are not hiding anything; we directly say we are against Miyas,” he said.

Sarma also used the opportunity to challenge the Congress party, daring it to take legal action against him over his repeated allegations against Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi. He reiterated his claim that Gogoi is a “Pakistani agent” and invited the party to respond through the courts. “If they have the courage, they should file a case against me. I will face it,” he said.