Assam cabinet approves identification of five indigenous Assamese Muslim communities

Assam cabinet has approved the identification of five communities as indigenous Assamese Muslim communities.

These includes Goria, Moria, Deshi, Jolah and Syed. This move initiated in line with the recommendation subgroups/Committees constituted by State Government.

The cabinet stated the move will ensure their development in health, cultural identity, education, financial inclusion, skill development and women empowerment.

Earlier Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had stated that state government has accepted the definition of indigenous or Assamese Muslim put forward by the subcommittee.

Assam government last year after discussion with Muslim intellectuals has decided to formed eight sub committees which lay down a roadmap for holistic development of the community in next five years. The committees have submitted their report to the chief minister.

Sarma last year was engaged in discussion with 150 indigenous Muslim intellectuals. Eight sub-groups submitted reports on health, education, population stabilisation, cultural identity, financial inclusion and skill development.

Muslims comprise 34% of the 3.12 crore population of Assam, of which 4% are indigenous Assamese Muslims and the remaining are mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims. The BJP led government in Assam had earlier proposed the creation of a development board for indigenous Muslims communities Goria, Moria, Deshi and Jolah.