Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Sunday (February 1, 2026), defended his recent remarks, referring to the “Miya” community and linking rickshaw operations to alleged illegal immigrants, insisting that his comments were based on legal and administrative considerations rather than targeting any particular community. He argued that existing laws do not permit illegal immigrants to work or earn a livelihood in the State. The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s hardline stance on illegal immigration, acknowledging that deportation posed practical challenges, but asserting that his administration would continue to act firmly. Till I am the Chief Minister, I will not spare any Bangladeshi. The Chief Minister’s comments have sparked renewed debate amid Assam’s long-running and sensitive discourse on immigration, citizenship, and livelihood rights.

Source: The Hindu February 01, 2026 14:55 UTC