Assam: Muslim groups to begin census exercise on April 15 to establish 'distinct identity'

GUWAHATI: Assam's indigenous Muslims have decided to prepare their own "NRC" in order to re-establish their distinct identity as indigenous residents of the state starting April 15.

Janagosthiya Samannay Parishad chief convenor Mominul Awal said the "census" of the indigenous Muslims was necessary to separate the state’s indigenous Muslims and migrated Muslims.

Four communities of Assam -- Goriya, Moriya, Deshi, and Julha -- have announced plans to hold a census of four communities broadly known as “Assamese Muslims.”

https://www.facebook.com/syedmuminul.aowal/videos/2803478483226929

Notably, April 15 is the first day in the Assamese Year, and hence, considered auspicious. The date also coincides with the folk festival Rongali Bihu.

To be included in the list, applicants will apply in a portal and submit all relevant documents, given by the organization and competent government authority.

They will get three months' time with effect from April 15. One will be included in the draft following the verification of the documents.

Awal said that Goriya, Moriya, Deshi etc are Assam's indigenous Muslim communities but as their religion is the same and they have similar names, there is no clear difference between indigenous Muslims and Muslims migrated from other countries.

ALSO READ: Nagaland: 2-Year-Old Baby’s Burn Injuries Treated By Assam Rifles Team

Awal further charged that a group of the migrated Muslims has taken an initiative to make all Muslims living in Assam one community and a conspiracy is afoot.

"But the indigenous Muslims have a distinct identity, given by the Ahom kings and Bir Chilarai (of Koch Royal Dynasty)," Awal said.

Awal said the indigenous Muslims had fought the Mughals alongside the Ahoms and had also taken part in the freedom movement.

The Muslims constitute 34.22% of Assam's total population. Awal said Assam's indigenous Muslim population is around 40 lakh.

Terming the merger of the indigenous communities with the Miyas (Bengali-speaking migrated Muslims) as "unfortunate", he said that they are going for their census as the first step towerds ascertaining their identity.

Stating that the organization will publish a list of names of people who have been rejected every month, he said that that they intend to wind up the exercise by the year-end.

"If somebody's name has been wrongfully entered, people can lodge a complaint with us. We will rectify it. Every month, we will publish a list of names of people who have been rejected. We want to wind up the exercise by the year-end," Awal said.

Talking to InsideNE, Awal said: “Goriyas came here 1200 years ago…they are converted Ahoms. Moriyas were brought here to make weapons by the rulers. Desis are the Koch-Rajbongshis who were converted. Jolahas were brought by the British from UP, Bihar, Jharkhand. These communities are related to the soil of these lands and trace their origin here."

Follow us on Facebook