Assam’s Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin has stirred political debate after stating that 15 districts in Assam have become Muslim-majority, citing recent demographic changes. The senior BJP leader made the claim during a media interaction on July 15 and said the shift requires urgent policy focus.
Dr. Momin, who is also an MLA from Bokajan and a medical professional by training, said the trend must be studied carefully. He added that population changes in Assam must not be ignored in the context of national security, identity, and long-term development.
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Data Reflects Shifting Demographics
While no official 2021 census data has been released, Momin said that internal population surveys and electoral rolls point to a clear shift in religious demographics across several districts. According to him, the number of Assam Muslim-majority districts has risen from nine a decade ago to 15 in 2024.
He specifically named Dhubri, Barpeta, Goalpara, South Salmara, and Hailakandi as long-standing Muslim-majority regions. Newly added districts like Nagaon, Morigaon, and parts of Darrang are now believed to have crossed the 50% mark in Muslim population share.
Call for Population Policy Reforms
Deputy Speaker Momin stressed that Assam urgently needs a population stabilization policy, similar to what some states have proposed. He linked the rise in Assam Muslim-majority districts to high birth rates and cross-border migration from Bangladesh.
“Unchecked demographic imbalance can affect governance, education, employment, and even national integration,” he said. He further called for a “balanced development policy” that serves all communities but ensures sustainable population growth.
Opposition Slams Remarks, Demands Proof
Following Momin’s comments, opposition parties, including the Congress and AIUDF, accused the BJP of stoking fear and communalism. Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha said the Deputy Speaker’s statement lacked official census data support and aimed to polarize.
AIUDF leader Aminul Islam demanded transparency and asked the government to release detailed demographic data before making such claims. “You cannot label entire communities without facts. This hurts Assam’s social harmony,” he said.
However, Momin clarified that his statement was not against any community but meant to initiate debate on Assam’s future.
Experts Weigh In on the Trends
Several demographers agree that Assam has seen changes in religious composition over the decades. According to the 2011 Census, Muslims formed 34.2% of the state’s population, with higher concentrations in western and central districts.
Although the next census is pending, migration patterns, fertility rates, and urbanization trends indicate that the number of Assam Muslim-majority districts may indeed have increased.
Sociologist Dr. Dipankar Das said the issue should be addressed with care. “Policy decisions must be made based on verified data, not assumptions. At the same time, ignoring ground-level trends may be equally risky.”
Assam Government’s Population Measures
The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government has previously flagged the issue of population imbalance. In 2021, CM Sarma announced plans to implement population control measures through education and women’s empowerment in minority-dominated districts.
The government also encouraged smaller family norms and better access to reproductive healthcare. Momin reiterated that these measures should now be intensified.
He said, “The goal is not to target anyone but to ensure Assam’s development doesn’t suffer due to uneven resource distribution.”
Historical Context and Social Impact
The topic of Assam Muslim-majority districts has long been sensitive. It links to issues of migration, identity, and land rights—especially in border areas. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have also intensified debates on demographic change.
Momin stated that avoiding the topic for fear of political correctness will not help. “Let us talk openly and scientifically. The future of our children depends on how we manage today’s realities,” he said.
CM Silent, BJP Backs Momin
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has not yet commented on Momin’s statement. However, several BJP leaders, including cabinet minister Pijush Hazarika, supported the Deputy Speaker’s concern. They echoed the need to review Assam’s population structure and its effects on planning.
The BJP has often raised this issue in election campaigns, especially in lower Assam districts. The party believes a strong demographic policy could help ensure balanced representation and development across communities.
Dr. Numal Momin’s statement on Assam Muslim-majority districts has reignited a long-running debate in the state. While some view it as a warning sign, others see it as a politically motivated claim. As Assam waits for the next census, the need for data-driven, inclusive, and transparent policies has become more urgent than ever.
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