Guwahati, 25 August (HS): A major controversy has erupted in Assam after activist and ex-member of the Planning Commission, Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, remarked during her visit to the state that Bangladeshis, too, have the right to live in Assam. Her comments came at a time when eviction drives and actions against illegal immigrants are underway across the state.
Hameed questioned the eviction process, saying, “What is wrong if they are Bangladeshis? They are humans too. Allah created this earth for human beings, not for devils. Evicting them amounts to ‘quamat’ (apocalypse) for Muslims.” She also alleged that Muslims are unfairly branded as Bangladeshis and denied the charge that migrants are threatening the rights of Indian citizens.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju sharply countered her remarks, accusing her of misleading people in the name of humanity. In a social media post, he asserted, “This is about our land and identity. Why are minority Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs in Bangladesh and Pakistan persecuted? Supporting illegal migrants is unacceptable.” Rijiju further alleged that Hameeda’s proximity to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi was influencing her stance.
The activist was part of a delegation that included Prashant Bhushan, Harsh Mandar, Jawahar Sircar and others. The team said their objective was to study the ground situation on citizenship, evictions and the treatment of Muslims in Assam. However, they claimed they were not allowed to enter Goalpara district, where recent forest land evictions took place.
Prashant Bhushan alleged that the state government is “pushing Indian Muslims into Bangladesh, demolishing homes and evicting people unlawfully.” Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, representing Asom Nagarik Sanmilan, which hosted the delegation, said the forum routinely invites public figures to share their views on important issues.
The remarks have reignited debates on migration, national identity and minority rights, drawing sharp political reactions both within Assam and at the national level.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
