Minority certificates will harm indigenous Muslims: Senior advocate Nekibur Zaman

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Senior advocate Nekibur Zaman has voiced reservations regarding the State Government's recent decision to give minority certificates to the Muslims of Assam, along with five other minority communities.

Zaman said that provision of such certificates without completion of the NRC process will be disadvantageous for the indigenous Muslims of the State. This move will only benefit the illegal immigrant Muslims of Bangladeshi origin, he said.

Talking to The Sentinel, the senior advocate said that minority certificates will bring complications for the indigenous Muslims and harm them as they will be clubbed together with the immigrant Muslims.

Zaman said that the indigenous Muslims of Assam do not want a religious identity. Instead, they desire recognition as a distinct ethnic group.

He mentioned that the State Government had earlier set up seven sub-groups/committees to study various aspects pertaining to the indigenous Muslim community of Assam, including economic condition, education, population stabilization, health care, cultural identity, financial inclusion, skill development and women empowerment. These sub-groups/committees have already submitted their reports to the Government. However, giving minority certificates en masse will render these sub-groups/committees and their reports meaningless, Zaman asserted.

It may be mentioned that several groups of indigenous Muslims exist in Assam, such as Goria, Moria, Deshi, Julha etc.

Also Read:   Debabrata Saikia terms minority certificates as a gimmick

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