Hindu Population Declining Rapidly in Assam, Bangladesh: Himanta | WATCH

New Delhi: Amid reports of growing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that the population of Hindus in Assam and the violence-torn country has been ‘declining rapidly’ and a ‘demographic invasion’ is taking place.  Referring to census data, Sarma expressed apprehension that the situation in West Bengal and Jharkhand is expected to be similar. "In both Assam and Bangladesh, the Hindu population is declining rapidly. Census data from 2021 will likely provide more detailed insights. Official census data up to 2011 of both places clearly demonstrate a demographic shift," he added.

Sarma also shared a graphic with his post, showing that the Hindu population in Assam declined from 70.78 per cent in 1951 to 61.47 per cent in 2011, while in Bangladesh, it decreased from 22 per cent to 8.5 per cent over the same period.

Muslim Population in Assam Increased

On the other hand, the Muslim population in Assam increased to 34.23 per cent from 25.37 per cent in the 60-year period, while the same rose to 90.4 per cent from 76 per cent in Bangladesh.

Sarma highlighted that the Hindu population in Assam had decreased by over nine percentage points and 13.5 percentage points in Bangladesh.  "The Muslim population is rising, but if I say so, I would be labelled communal." Sarma asserted that the data he shared was sourced from official census reports of India and Bangladesh", he added. On being asked about the reasons for the shift, Sarma said, "I cannot comment on why it is happening. But it is true that a demographic invasion is taking place." 

Demography Matter of Life & Death For Me: Himanta Biswa Sarma  

Earlier last month, expressing serious concerns regarding demographic changes in the state, Sarma had said  "The demographic changes are happening rapidly in Assam, Tripura, and Bengal. The Hindu community has become a minority in 12 to 14 districts in Assam".  

Prior to that, Sarma had voiced concerns about criminal activities associated with individuals from a specific religion, although he did not identify any particular community.  He clarified that his remarks were not intended to imply that crime is exclusive to any single religion, but noted that recent incidents since the Lok Sabha elections were alarming.