Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep concerns about the demographic changes in the state, highlighting a significant rise in the Muslim population.

“The changing demography is a critical issue for me. In Assam, the Muslim population has surged to 40 per cent today, up from 12 per cent in 1951. We have lost control of many districts. This isn’t just a political matter for me; it’s a matter of life and death,” stated Sarma.

Sarma also pointed to the issue of illegal immigration, noting that infiltrators initially enter Assam and West Bengal before moving on to Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.

He referenced a directive from the Jharkhand High Court to the state government, mandating the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants. Sarma emphasized that it is the responsibility of the state governments, not the Central government, to carry out this task.

“I handle this issue daily in Assam. If state governments are not fulfilling their responsibilities and expect Delhi to intervene, then they should step down. We are ready to take on this responsibility,” he asserted, urging other states to take decisive action against illegal immigration.