Assam is a land steeped in history. Both Assam and the Assamese people have a colorful and rich heritage that has shaped and strengthened their identity through the ages, and will continue to do so in the future. Every community, tribe, language group, and religion residing in Assam is bound together by an inseparable thread of unity. Regardless of caste, creed, or religion, the greater Assamese society has always celebrated every cultural and religious festival together, side by side, from the days of the traditional Bihu to other national and spiritual occasions.

Whenever the Assamese people have felt their existence threatened, they have always come together, rising above divisions of caste, creed, and religion, to protect and preserve their identity. Time and again, various forces have tried to weaken the Assamese society. But the spontaneous uprising of the Assamese masses against these forces has been evident—from the language movement, to the historic Assam Movement, to the protests against legislations like the CAA and CAB. These movements have clearly demonstrated that Assam is not an open ground for unchecked infiltration by foreigners.
A few days ago, in the heart of Guwahati, during a public meeting, Delhi-based so-called human rights activist Syeda Hameed arrived to participate in the program. She was respectfully welcomed and given the opportunity to address the gathering from the stage. After her speech, when she stepped out of the venue, she faced questions from journalists. In that interaction, Hameed claimed that the presence of Bangladeshis in Assam was not causing any problems to anyone, arguing that the Earth was created for all humans. She further stated that the Bangladeshis living in Assam were not infringing upon the rights of the native people.
As soon as these statements were aired in the media, they triggered a wave of outrage across Assam. Even before the furor had died down, Syeda Hameed once again, sitting in Delhi, made more disparaging comments about Assam. Naturally, these statements ignited a political storm. Political parties, organizations, and representatives of the Assamese people strongly condemned her remarks, and reactions are still ongoing.
The biggest question, however, is who invited this so-called human rights activist, Syeda Hameed, to speak at an event in Assam? Before making statements on such a sensitive issue, she should have first gained a thorough understanding of Assam’s situation. One wonders how much real knowledge Hameed has about Assam and its complex issues. It is evident that someone must have briefed her with selective information before she made her comments in front of the media.
Hameed’s attempt to equate the issues of Assam with those of Delhi shows a gross lack of understanding. She probably does not even realize that Assam witnessed a long and intense movement to expel illegal foreigners, a movement in which 855 young Assamese sacrificed their lives. The historic Assam Accord was signed only after their supreme sacrifice. By making such careless statements, Hameed has directly insulted the memory of those martyrs.
By stepping on Assamese soil and making remarks that hurt the dignity and pride of the Assamese people, one must ask: who gave Syeda Hameed that right? It is unlikely that someone from outside Assam could suddenly muster the courage to make such divisive and anti-Assamese statements without local support. Those who invited her and allowed such insults to be hurled at the Assamese identity must be held accountable. They should be ostracized from Assam’s socio-political life. Otherwise, such individuals will continue to use outsiders to demean and destabilize Assam and its people for their selfish gains.
If, as Syeda Hameed claims, the presence of Bangladeshis in Assam is not a matter of concern, then what meaning does citizenship hold? If there is no distinction between a citizen and a foreigner, then how will the dignity of the Constitution and democracy of this nation be upheld? For a country to remain secure, it is essential to identify foreign elements that may disrupt peace and sow disorder. Foreign forces often attempt to create unrest and chaos within the population, and anyone trivializing the seriousness of illegal infiltration is, knowingly or unknowingly, posing a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
Although the government, opposition, and national organizations have condemned Hameed’s remarks, mere condemnation is not enough. Legal action must be taken to ensure that such individuals are prevented from disrespecting Assam and the Assamese people in the future. If this is not done, they will continue to insult and demean the Assamese identity from time to time for their political and personal agendas, without the slightest hesitation.

Email:-----------------------------gautamdeborshi@gmail.com