The Assam cabinet this week decided to grant Swadeshi status to five Muslim groups. State minister Keshab Mahanta, briefing the media in Guwahati, said that Goria, Moria, Jolha, Desi and Syed would now be referred to as “indigenous Assamese Muslims”.
This would essentially separate these subgroups from the Bengali-speaking Muslims who migrated from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), known locally as “Mia Muslims”. This was a long-standing demand of many Assamese Muslim groups and they are happy with the state government’s decision.
The cabinet decision comes after recommendations of seven sub-committees constituted by the government of Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.
These panels were originally created to study the socio-economic conditions of these five subgroups.
The subcommittees set up by the Minorities Welfare and Development Department in 2021 studied the cultural identity, education, population control, health services, financial inclusion, skill development and women empowerment of indigenous Assamese Muslims who have lived in the state for hundreds of years. , He submitted his report to the Chief Minister and thereafter the cabinet approved the indigenous status of the subgroups.
Advocate Nekubur Zaman, who has been advocating Swadeshi status for Assamese-speaking Muslims since 2006, expressed satisfaction over the state government’s decision. He also demanded a census of indigenous Muslims spread across the state, which is estimated to be around 40 lakh out of the total Muslim population of 1.07 crore in Assam. He argued that Bengal speaking Muslims always got the benefit of all government schemes while these subgroups were neglected.
Who are these ‘Indigenous Muslims of Assamese’?
These subgroups of the Muslims of Assam originally originated from several ethnic groups and have a distinct history of their own.
Goria: Available data says that Goriyas originally belonged to different ethnic groups like Marans, Mataks, Barhis, Chutias, Kochs, Ahoms, Kachari, Mess etc. Initially, they were nature worshippers and lived in isolation from their fellow group members who accepted Hinduism. , Later, as soon as Islamic Sufi saints came to Assam, people identified as Goriyas were converted to Islam for various reasons.
Moria: During the Ahom dynasty, Muslims associated with the manufacture of copper and brass were known as marias. maria are found in parts of southern Assam, Nagaon district, Ujan Bazar and Hajo in southern Guwahati.
Native: The natives are found in the undivided Goalpara district of Assam. This subgroup is a mixture of ethnic groups like Koch, Mech, Nath-Yogi, Kalita, Garo, Rava, Rajbanshi, etc., mainly living in South Assam, who converted to Islam for various social and historical reasons.
Jolha: A small community of Muslims living in parts of eastern Assam, believed to have converted from the Adivasis. There were two phases of migration of the community to Assam. Initially they were brought to work as artisans during the reign of the Ahom kings. And the second is in the late nineteenth century when British tea growers brought in large numbers of Jolahas to work in the plantations.
As explained by many critics, Congress and All India The United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has a strong support base among Muslims of East Bengal origin, while the state BJP leadership and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma have repeatedly criticized and publicly declared “Miya” Muslims on several occasions. That they don’t need it or want the “Mia” vote. On the other hand, Assamese Muslims were always in favor of secession from “Miya” Muslims, hence the BJP is criticized for using this as an opportunity to build a base among the Muslims of Assam.
The state BJP leadership, however, has denied these allegations and said that the government only wants the development of Assamese Muslims and at the same time tries to save them from infiltration which happens so frequently in Assam.
AIUDF Objects
Speaking to CNN-News18, Aminul Islam of AIUDF said, “It is a way to create division among the Muslim people of the state… It is defined by the constitution which is to be declared as minority in the state and the country. But BJP is now outlawing the Constitution and declaring minorities on its own. This is another way for the BJP to bring differences between Goria, Morea and the countrymen. Earlier it was a game of religion (Hindu-Muslim), now they are trying to bring differences within religion. BJP is trying to show people to what extent they can harass the Muslims of the state.
Aminul Islam said, “Not only that, but a separate identity for indigenous Muslims, things like NRC, UCC are there to show how they can divide Muslims and trouble them in the name of religion.”
Minority Welfare Board chairman Mominul Awal, however, said, “We are very happy with the decision of the cabinet. Those who are protesting have no depth as to how it will help religion. I challenge them on this. This decision is making Swadeshi happy and Bangladeshis sad.”
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