In a bold political move, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced plans to enact a stringent law against 'love jihad', promising life imprisonment for violators.
The declaration came during a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) meeting on Sunday, underscoring the government’s firm stance on the controversial issue.
“We spoke about ‘love jihad’ during the elections. Soon, we will bring a law, which will award life imprisonment in such cases,” Sarma stated emphatically, reaffirming his party’s pre-poll promises.
Sarma, one of the BJP's most influential figures in the North East, also outlined a new domicile policy aimed at prioritising the indigenous population.
He highlighted the Assam government's commitment to providing one lakh government jobs, fulfilling another electoral pledge.
In addition to the 'love jihad' law, Sarma disclosed a new policy regarding land transactions between Hindus and Muslims.
While the government cannot outright prevent such deals, they will now require the chief minister's consent.
This measure aims to ensure greater oversight and control over inter-religious land deals.
Sarma’s remarks on demographic changes and infiltration have stirred significant controversy. Last month, during a visit to Jharkhand, he claimed that 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' were seizing tribal lands, exacerbating local tensions.
“Today, I visited Gaibathan village of Pakur. Despite the SPT law, which protects Adivasi lands, two Bangladeshi infiltrators grabbed their land. Although the Court ordered their removal, the administration did nothing. When the Adivasi family attempted to reclaim their land, they were attacked,” Sarma recounted.
He urged Jharkhand’s Adivasi Chief Minister Hemant Soren to address these issues, stressing the reality of infiltration in regions like Pakur and Sahibganj.
Sarma frequently voices concerns about demographic shifts in Assam and neighbouring states.
“I have observed the demographic invasion in Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The 2021 census will likely reveal shocking news about the demography of Eastern India. The demographic invasion is real, and due to appeasement policies, we are unable to control it,” he asserted.
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