“CM who spreads hatred”: Justice Govind Mathur slams Himanta Sarma’s remarks on Miya Muslims
New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Justice (Retd) Govind Mathur, has condemned recent remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma targeting the Miya Muslim community, calling the statements unconstitutional, divisive and unacceptable in a democratic society.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Justice Mathur described the chief minister’s comments in which Sarma had said Miya Muslims should be “troubled” so that they leave Assam as “highly condemnable” and “outrageous”. He said it was concerning that a constitutional authority was repeatedly making what he termed irresponsible and inflammatory remarks.
Justice Mathur said the statements amounted to an attempt to divide citizens on the basis of religion and violated the basic principles of India’s constitutional framework. Referring to fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, he pointed out that Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, Article 15 prohibits discrimination on religious grounds, and Article 21 protects the dignity of every individual.
“As Chief Minister, Mr Sarma has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, and his words carry the authority of the state,” the former chief justice said. He warned that rhetoric promoting fear, exclusion or hatred undermines constitutional morality and weakens the foundations of the Indian Republic.
Justice Mathur further stated that communal remarks by those holding public office normalise prejudice and encourage hatred in society, which he said has no place in a constitutional democracy. Leaders who divide citizens along religious lines, he added, act against India’s pluralistic ethos and federal responsibility.
Questioning the suitability of a constitutional office-holder who departs from principles of impartiality and equality, Justice Mathur said India’s strength lies in unity, reason and the rule of law, not in communal polarisation. He asserted that spreading communal hatred amounts to a punishable offence under the law and said it was time to demand accountability from those in power.
Justice Mathur also added that it was high time to demand resignation of a “Chief Minister who spreads communal hatred which is a crime under our law”.
The statement comes amid widespread criticism of Chief Minister Sarma’s recent remarks on the Special Revision and proposed Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Assam, during which he openly spoke about targeting Miya Muslims a term commonly used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in the state and removing their names from voter lists. Opposition parties and civil rights groups have also accused the Assam government of encouraging discrimination and harassment through the electoral revision process.
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What is Iran’s 10-point plan? Key demands ahead of US talks in Islamabad
Tehran/Islamabad: Iran has outlined a 10-point plan as the basis for upcoming talks with the United States, expected to begin in Islamabad on April 11, according to a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
The plan lays out Tehran’s key political, military and economic demands, and is being seen as a framework for negotiations following the recent escalation in the region.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre
A major focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has proposed “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian armed forces,” which it says would give the country a unique economic and geopolitical position.
The plan also calls for the “establishment of a safe transit protocol” in the Strait that would guarantee Iran’s dominance under an agreed mechanism.
Call to end conflict
Iran has demanded “the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the axis of resistance,” signalling its expectation that hostilities should stop not only in Iran but also involving allied groups in the region.
US troop withdrawal
Another key demand is the “withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the region,” indicating Tehran’s long-standing position against American military presence in West Asia.
Sanctions relief and compensation
The plan places strong emphasis on economic measures. It calls for “full payment of Iran’s damages according to estimates,” along with “the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
It also seeks “the release of all Iranian assets and properties frozen abroad,” which have been a major point of contention for years.
Binding global guarantee
Finally, Iran has demanded that all these terms be formally recognised through “a binding Security Council resolution,” suggesting it wants international legal backing to ensure enforcement.
What this means
The 10-point plan reflects Iran’s broader push for security guarantees, economic relief and regional influence. The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to test how far both sides are willing to negotiate on these demands.
