Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made it clear that the state government has no plans to file a First Information Report (FIR) against activist and former Planning Commission member Syeda Saiyidain Hameed.
Hameed recently stirred controversy after suggesting that people from Bangladesh had a right to live in Assam. The remarks triggered sharp political reactions and widespread debate. Opposition parties criticized the state government for not taking immediate legal action. However, Sarma underlined that the state would handle the matter with caution and within the framework of law.
Lawful Procedure to be Followed
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said that the government will not act hastily or outside due process. He emphasized that no FIR has been planned against Hameed at present. Instead, the state will review the situation once she returns to Assam.
Sarma noted that any decision will be based on legal assessment, not political pressure. He stressed that the government’s priority is to maintain peace and order in Assam while ensuring that democratic rights are respected.
Background of the Controversy
Hameed, a prominent activist and intellectual, made her statement during a public interaction earlier this month. She reportedly said that Bangladeshis share cultural and social ties with Assam and therefore have the right to stay in the state.
The remarks immediately drew strong criticism from Assamese groups and political leaders. Many argued that her statement undermined the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process and threatened the fragile demographic balance in the state.
Sarma’s response now signals that the state is not looking to escalate the matter but is prepared to examine legal options if required.
Himanta’s Stand on Illegal Migration
Illegal migration has remained one of the most sensitive and polarizing issues in Assam for decades. Successive governments have faced pressure to address concerns about identity, land rights, and political representation.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has often taken a firm stance against illegal migration. He has repeatedly said that the government is committed to protecting Assam’s culture and ensuring constitutional safeguards for indigenous communities.
By stating that no FIR will be filed against Hameed for now, Sarma is balancing between legal restraint and political firmness.
Reactions from Political Circles
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Assam welcomed Sarma’s clarification. They argued that the state government has shown maturity by avoiding a rushed FIR and instead waiting for Hameed’s return.
However, opposition parties like the Congress and AIUDF have accused the government of double standards. They allege that the BJP reacts selectively depending on the political context. Some leaders also claimed that Sarma’s statement is an attempt to control damage ahead of the Prime Minister’s upcoming Assam visit in September.
Voices from Civil Society
Civil society groups remain divided on the issue. Organizations like the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) have demanded that legal action should be initiated to discourage such controversial remarks.
Others argue that free speech must be respected, even if the views are unpopular. They warn that overreaction could set a dangerous precedent for intellectual and political discourse in the state.
Looking Ahead
The controversy around Syeda Hameed has once again brought Assam’s migration issue into national spotlight. While Sarma has ruled out an FIR for now, his assurance of lawful action on her return indicates that the matter is far from closed.
Legal experts suggest that any future proceedings will depend on the exact content of her statement and whether it can be categorized under provisions of sedition, hate speech, or disturbance of public order.
Call for Balanced Approach
As Assam navigates this politically sensitive issue, the challenge for the government will be to strike a balance. Protecting Assam’s identity while upholding democratic rights remains at the core of the debate.
Observers say that Sarma’s cautious stand could help avoid unnecessary legal complications while maintaining focus on governance and development projects.
For now, the Chief Minister’s statement has cooled political temperatures. But with migration continuing to dominate Assam’s socio-political landscape, the issue is bound to resurface in the near future.