Drive Against Muslims of Migrant Origin in Assam: There is something ‘Fishsy’

"If needed, we will eat rice with salt, but will not allow traders of Nagaon to sell fish in the region," said a local.

There is a huge uproar going on in Assam to drive out Muslims of migrant origin and those of doubtful citizenship. But this drive is threatening to impact the supply of fish in the state.

Most of the fish which is supplied and sold across the state is done by traders and hawkers who are Muslims of migrant origin commonly referred to as ‘Miya Muslims’ distinct from the Assamese indigenous Muslims.

With several organisations including the All Assam Tai Ahom Students’ Union (AATASU’s) launching a movement to drive out Muslims of migrant origin from Assam in protest of the horrific rape of a 14-year-old girl in Dhing in the Nagaon district, there is simmering tension in different parts of the state.

Responding to the movement, the Nagaon District Fish Sellers Association (NDFSA) has announced an indefinite ban on the supply and sale of fish to the Upper Assam districts.

Citing their stance against the discriminatory policies and actions, the NDFSA said that they would let the fish go to waste rather than supply it to Upper Assam.

“We vehemently condemn the Dhing incident. However, it is not correct to punish Muslims of migrant origin based on this incident. In response to the atrocities meted out against Muslims of migrant origin in Upper Assam districts, we have decided to impose an indefinite ban on the sale and supply of fish to these districts,” NDFSA members said.

“In Upper Assam, fish is predominantly supplied by Muslims, which has allowed residents to purchase fish at lower prices. However, in light of the recent discriminatory actions, we have decided to ban the sale of fish to that region. If necessary, we will supply the fish supply to Guwahati or let it go to waste, but we will not supply it to Upper Assam under any circumstances,” said NDFSA members.

The NDFSA also issued a strict warning to traders attempting to export fish to Upper Assam, stating that severe action will be taken against anyone who violates the established rules.

In retaliation, locals said that they would prefer to eat rice with just salt rather than purchase fish from the Nagaon traders.

They said that they have sufficient local fisheries to meet their needs and are prepared to forgo fish if it means opposing the actions of the Nagaon traders.

“The ban will not affect the region, as we are self-sufficient in fisheries and can procure fish from other sources,” said a local.

“If needed, we will eat rice with salt, but will not allow traders of Nagaon to sell fish in the region. Muslims who are immigrants must leave. We do not need their urea-fertilizer fish. We do not want fish; it is not bigger than our caste,” said another local.

Also Read: Assam: AATASU Serves 7-Day Ultimatum To Muslims Of Migrant Origin To Leave Sivasagar, Tinsukia

Also Watch:

COMMENTS