Demography in Assam goes haywire following population boom

* East Bengal-origin Muslims move from one constituency to another for gaining political strength: Aowal

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The demographic pattern of Assam has gone haywire following the population boom amongst East Bengal-origin Muslims who move from one Assembly constituency to another when their population in a particular constituency grows up to the optimum level. This way they continue to gain majority in the constituencies one after another.

Making this public, Janagosthiya Samannay Parishad, Asom (JSPA) chief convenor Dr Muminul Aowal told The Sentinel, "Through the inter-constituency movement, the Muslims of East Bengal origin have consolidated their political strength. Now there are Assembly constituencies in the State where the immigrant Muslims comprise 80-95 per cent of voters. They move from one constituency to another when their the population reaches the optimum level in a particular constituency."

Dr Aowal is also the Chairman of the Assam Minority Development Board (AMDB).

He further said, "As many as 102 of the 126 Assembly constituencies in the State are open for general categories. Muslims of East Bengal-origin have 50-60 lakh voters in the State. They can send 30 MLAs to Dispur. They also play a decisive role in 15 other Assembly constituencies. They are the majority in over 100 blocks in the State.

"It is glaringly visible that because of early marriage and other reasons, Muslims of East Bengal origin get their next-generation voters in nearly 20 years. On the contrary, the indigenous communities of the State need around 40 years to get their next-generation voters. In the coming 15-20 years, the projected number of voters of East Bengal origin Muslims in the State will be around 70-80 lakh. Because of the population boom in this community, the demography in the State has gone haywire. If the government does not reserve the 102 unreserved Assembly constituencies for the indigenous people, the people of the State will see an East Bengal origin as their chief minister by 2035-40."

Dr Aowal said, "Some intellectuals say that underdevelopment, illiteracy, lack of proper communication etc lead to overpopulation in the sar areas. This is not true. Indigenous communities like Dimasa, Deori, Hajong, Karbi and others in the State are also underdeveloped. They lack proper communication facilities, besides lagging in education. However, we don't see any population explosion among any of these communities.

"I don't accept it that the Muslims of East Bengal-origin are illiterates. They have degree holders in almost every household in Bagbor LAC and as many as 15 MBBS degree holders in a particular development block in the Jania constituency.

"Central and State governments' schemes meant for minorities should also go to the people of East Bengal origin. However, I find no reason why such people the authorities tag such people as minorities in some 30 Assembly constituencies where they comprise up to 95 per cent of the total population. In such constituencies, the benefits of the schemes should go to the indigenous people who are a minority there.

"The Clause VI of the Assam Accord will protect the Assamese in the face of such an intense demographic invasion. I welcome the population policy adopted in the State. The government should be tough in its implementation."

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