AIMPLB seeks Supreme Court intervention over Assam CM’s remarks on Bengali-speaking Muslims
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his recent remarks directed at Bengali-speaking Muslims, commonly known as Miyas, describing the comments as unconstitutional, divisive and a threat to social harmony. The board has urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter and appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to consider appropriate constitutional action.
In a statement issued on Friday, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr SQR Ilyas said the remarks reflected a disturbing shift in public discourse, where hate speech against Muslims is no longer confined to fringe elements but is being articulated by individuals occupying high constitutional positions, as reported by The Observer Post. He said statements made by those sworn to uphold the Constitution undermine its core values and embolden discrimination.
The board’s response followed comments reportedly made by Sarma at a government event in Assam, where he referred to “Bangladeshi Miyas” and claimed that BJP workers had submitted more than five lakh objections during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, targeting people suspected to be foreigners. According to the AIMPLB, such remarks legitimise the targeting of a particular religious and linguistic community through administrative and electoral processes.
Dr Ilyas said the statements amounted to an open encouragement to question the citizenship of Muslims and expose them to social and economic exclusion. He argued that such rhetoric violates constitutional guarantees of equality, non-discrimination and the right to life with dignity under Articles 14, 15 and 21.
The AIMPLB also expressed concern over the role of constitutional institutions, warning that public confidence in free and fair elections would erode if bodies like the Election Commission fail to act independently. The board said a chief minister’s call to use electoral mechanisms against a religious group represents a serious breach of constitutional responsibility.
Pointing to similar remarks made by political leaders in other states in the past, the board said the episode reflects a broader pattern of normalising hate speech against minorities. It described the situation as a critical moment for India’s constitutional framework and called upon secular political parties, civil society organisations and citizens to speak out.
The AIMPLB also appealed to Muslims in Assam to remain calm and avoid provocation. The statement further urged them to respond through lawful and constitutional means.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India post 271-5 against NZ in fifth T20I
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Ishan Kishan smashed a maiden T20I hundred while Suryakumar Yadav hit a strokeful fifty as India posted a challenging 271 for 5 against New Zealand, in the fifth and final match here on Saturday.
Opting to bat, Ishan smashed 10 sixes and six fours en route a 43-ball 103, while Suryakumar made a 30-ball 63 studded with four boundaries and six maximums.
Hardik Pandya also hit some lusty blows on way to 42 off 17 balls.
For NZ, Lockie Ferguson (2/41), Mitchell Santner (1/60), Jacob Duffy (1/53) and Kyle Jamieson (1/59) were among wickets.
Brief Scores:
India: 271 for 5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 103, Suryakumar Yadav 63; Lockie Ferguson 2/41).
