The 2025 Census in Assam has sparked intense debate over language identity and demographic changes. The controversy centres on the choice of mother tongue declared by Bengal-origin Muslims. This issue has implications for Assamese identity and politics. Recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed concerns about some Bengal-origin Muslims planning to list Bengali, not Assamese, as their mother tongue in the Census. This move was seen by some as an attempt to challenge the dominance of the Assamese language. The Chief Minister warned that such actions would help identify foreigners in the state. The controversy followed remarks by Mainuddin Ali, a minority student leader, who openly stated that his community would not declare Assamese as their mother tongue. This provoked strong backlash from Assamese literary and student organisations.
Language and Identity in Assam
Assamese is the official language and a key marker of indigenous identity. The language has faced challenges due to demographic shifts and migration. The Census mother tongue data influences political representation, resource allocation, and cultural preservation. The move by some Bengal-origin Muslims to declare Bengali threatens to alter linguistic demographics. Assamese groups view this as linguistic blackmail and a threat to their cultural survival.
Political and Social Reactions
The Assam Sahitya Sabha and All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) condemned the decision to reject Assamese as a mother tongue. They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Assamese language and culture. AASU leaders brought into light long-standing grievances about linguistic coercion and demographic changes. The All BTC Minority Students’ Union suspended Mainuddin Ali for his controversial statements. The issue has heightened ethnic tensions and debates on citizenship and cultural rights in Assam.
Implications for Assam’s Demography
Language declaration in the Census is closely linked to ethnic identity and political power. Changes in reported mother tongues may affect the status of indigenous Assamese people. Some warn that indigenous Assamese could become a minority in their own land within decades. This fuels fears of cultural erosion and loss of political influence. The government faces the challenge of balancing demographic realities with protecting indigenous rights.
Role of Census in Assam
The Census is important tool for demographic data collection. It informs policy decisions on language, education, and citizenship. In Assam, the Census has added importance due to historical migration and ethnic conflicts. Language data can influence the identification of foreigners and impact the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process. The 2025 Census has thus become a flashpoint for broader issues of identity, migration, and political power.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of language as a marker of ethnic identity in multi-lingual states like Assam, with suitable examples.
- Explain the significance of Census data in shaping policies related to citizenship and minority rights in India.
- What are the challenges of managing ethnic diversity in India? How do language politics influence social cohesion?
- With reference to Assam, comment on the impact of migration on indigenous communities and the measures to protect their cultural identity.
