Adopted at the National Meeting of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat
Date: 21st September, 2024
Recognizing the unique and diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious fabric of Assam, and acknowledging the challenges posed by the evolving sociopolitical landscape, AIMMM reaffirms its commitment to peace, harmony, and the protection of the constitutional rights of all communities, particularly the marginalized and persecuted. The following resolution addresses the growing concerns about the rise of anti-Muslim sentiments and practices in Assam and calls for a united approach to counter this disturbing trend.
Whereas:
1. Assam’s Complex Demography and History: Assam has long been a region of ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity, with indigenous communities, Assamese Muslims, Bengali-speaking Muslims, Hindus, tribal populations, and others coexisting. The rich history of Assam has been marked by struggles over identity, land, and resources, often exacerbated by political and external influences.
2. NRC and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): The implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, coupled with the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), has caused widespread anxiety among the Muslim population. The process of identifying “illegal immigrants” has disproportionately targeted Muslims, particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims, leading to fear, uncertainty, and loss of citizenship rights for many.
3. Detention Centers: The establishment of detention centers for those who have been deemed “foreigners” has raised serious humanitarian concerns. Many Muslims, including those whose families have lived in Assam for generations, have found themselves facing the threat of statelessness.
4. Rise of Anti-Muslim Rhetoric: In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric, including the portrayal of Muslims as “outsiders” or “encroachers” in Assam. This has contributed to an atmosphere of hostility, leading to social exclusion, discrimination, and violence against Muslim communities.
5. Communal Violence and Discrimination: Instances of communal violence, property destruction, and social boycotts against Muslims have been reported across Assam. Discriminatory practices in employment, education, and access to government schemes further marginalize Muslims, deepening the socioeconomic divide.
6. Exclusion of Muslims from Political Power: Muslim representation in Assam’s political landscape has declined, and the community often finds itself alienated from decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. This political marginalization contributes to a sense of disempowerment and fuels resentment among the Muslim population.
Resolved:
1. Condemnation of Discrimination: The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat strongly condemns any form of discrimination, violence, or harassment targeting Muslims in Assam or any part of India. It calls upon the central and state governments to uphold the constitutional values of equality, secularism, and justice for all citizens, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background.
2. Immediate Redressal of NRC and CAA Concerns: The government must urgently address the legitimate concerns surrounding the NRC and CAA processes. This body demands the cessation of discriminatory practices in determining citizenship and urges a fair, transparent, and non-biased resolution to all cases involving people’s citizenship status, ensuring no individual is unjustly rendered stateless or incarcerated.
3. Closure of Detention Centers: We call for the immediate closure of detention centers in Assam. The detention of individuals without a clear and justifiable cause is a violation of basic human rights. The state must work to rehabilitate and provide legal support to those affected.
4. Protection from Hate Speech and Violence: The rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate speech must be countered with strict legal action. The government, along with civil society, should take proactive steps to foster inter-communal harmony and address any incidents of violence or discrimination based on religion.
5. Political Empowerment and Representation: Efforts must be made to ensure that Muslims in Assam are politically represented at all levels of governance. The exclusion of any community from political processes weakens democracy. All political parties are urged to engage with and include Muslim voices in their platforms and policymaking.
6. Socioeconomic Development: Addressing the socioeconomic disparities faced by Muslims in Assam is critical to achieving justice and equality. We call on the government to implement affirmative policies in education, healthcare, employment, and land rights for marginalized Muslims, ensuring their full participation in the state’s growth.
7. Dialogue and Reconciliation: A process of continuous dialogue between different communities, facilitated by civil society organizations, religious leaders, and political actors, is necessary to bridge gaps of mistrust and misunderstanding. The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat supports efforts to create platforms for such dialogues aimed at fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
8. Legal and Humanitarian Aid: Legal aid must be provided to those affected by wrongful exclusions from the NRC and those facing detention or statelessness. Humanitarian support, including food, shelter, and healthcare, should be extended to the victims of state repression and violence in Assam.
Conclusion:
The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights, dignity, and safety of Muslims in Assam and across India. We condemned Hemanta Wiswa Sarma’s led BJP government’s discriminatory and divisive policies and anti-Muslim statements of the CM. In solidarity with all marginalized communities, we stand against oppression, discrimination, and injustice, striving for a nation where every citizen is treated with respect and fairness, in accordance with the principles of the Indian Constitution.
—
Place: New Delhi