Minister's call to bar Muslim traders from Hindu fests triggers Assam row

GUWAHATI: Assam health minister Ashok Singhal's alleged remarks against "Miyas" triggered uproar and disruption in Assam assembly Tuesday, with Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF seeking a breach of privilege motion against him. AIUDF accused the BJP minister of inciting communal divisions and hatred.
In Assam, Miya is a euphemism, used disparagingly to refer to Bengali-speaking immigrant Muslims of Bangladeshi origin - a community of over one crore people, and central to the state's anti-foreigner agitation of the 1980s.
The controversy erupted after Singhal allegedly said at a meeting in his constituency - Dhekiajuli, an area with a large population of immigrant Muslims - that Miyas should not be allowed to operate shops during Hindu festivals.
Singhal allegedly said he had "zero support" for them and urged people to side with him for his cooperation, while discouraging interactions between communities. A video circulating online also shows him saying, "Don't give it (shops) to Miyas. Give it to our youths. How can Miyas enter our festival? Our boys do not enter in Eid... I am not with them. If you mingle with them, I am not with you."
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam, who attempted to move the privilege motion, accused Singhal of violating his oath by showing bias. "He cannot continue as minister," Islam said, questioning if Singhal would also withdraw doctors from Miya-inhabited areas. However, the Speaker disallowed the motion, stating it didn't meet the criteria.
Islam warned that Singhal's comments could lead to discrimination against the community in government schemes.