Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed significant concern regarding the ongoing political instability in Bangladesh and its potential repercussions for Assam. During a press interaction, he highlighted that the presence of Jihadi elements in Assam has been a persistent issue, suggesting that some individuals may still operate as sleeper cells within the state. Sarma pointed out the alarming increase in violence aimed at the Hindu community in Bangladesh, particularly over recent weeks. He emphasized the need for vigilance, asserting that the troubling events in Bangladesh warrant close monitoring as they could have a ripple effect in Assam, where Hindus have faced harassment and attacks.
Referencing the 2022 census, Sarma noted that approximately 13.13 million Hindus reside in Bangladesh, constituting about 7.95% of the nation’s population. He further stated that security agencies have consistently uncovered evidence of Bangladeshi nationals in Assam over the last decade, raising concerns about individuals possibly being integrated into sleeper cells. Sarma’s remarks underline the importance of addressing these security threats, especially since law enforcement had previously detained 11 individuals in Assam and Tripura last December for their alleged affiliations with fundamentalist groups based in Bangladesh. The Chief Minister’s statements reflect a broader anxiety about the implications of Bangladesh’s domestic unrest on Assam’s stability and security.
