Assam CM Plans White Paper on Demographic Changes

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised concerns over demographic changes in the state, attributing them to an influx of Muslims from Bangladesh, which he claims has led to a decrease in the Hindu population in certain districts. Sarma announced plans to release a white paper detailing these changes by April-May next year, emphasizing the need for communal harmony and discussion. He has been criticized by opposition parties for making inflammatory statements and creating communal divisions. Linking crimes against women to land encroachment strategies by immigrants, Sarma accused a particular community of becoming more active post the Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, Sarma reported that Assam police, in collaboration with the BSF, have apprehended and deported several Bangladeshi nationals who entered India illegally, citing over 30 such instances in the past month.