In a bid to safeguard local interests and address demographic changes, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the introduction of a new domicile policy and a stringent law against ‘love jihad.’
Speaking at a BJP State Executive meeting in Guwahati, the CM outlined these initiatives as part of a broader strategy to prioritize the well-being of Assam’s indigenous communities.
The new domicile policy will limit eligibility for government jobs to individuals born in Assam. Himanta Sarma asserted that this move is essential to manage the State’s population growth and ensure that employment opportunities benefit local residents. Highlighting the urgency of these measures, he described the shifting demographics as a “huge concern” and a “matter of life and death”.
The proposed law against ‘love jihad’, aims to impose life imprisonment for cases, involving forced or deceitful religious conversions through marriage. This initiative follows the recent Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2024, which targets severe penalties for forced conversions.
Apart from this, Himanta Sarma addressed ongoing efforts to tackle illegal immigration and recognise Bengali-speaking Bangladeshi Muslims, referred to as ‘Miya,’ as part of Assam’s indigenous population.
