The Assam Cabinet on December 8 gave its nod for a socio-economic assessment of indigenous Muslims through the Directorate of Minority Affairs and Char Areas.
Assam Cabinet Approves Socio-Economic Assessment Of Indigenous Muslims
The state cabinet also approved renaming the Directorate of Char Areas Development as the Directorate of Minority Affairs and Char Areas.
Five indigenous Muslim communities – Goria, Moria, Deshi, Syed and Jolha communities have for years been pleading for steps to safeguard their indigenous identity and culture, distinct from that of Bengali-speaking Muslim immigrants.
“Hopefully, this assessment will bring a change to their lives,” PHED Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah told media persons after the cabinet meeting.
Former Assam Minority Development Board (AMDB) chairman Syed Muminul Awal was among the indigenous Muslim leaders, who have been demanding a socio-economic assessment of indigenous Muslims of the state.
The state cabinet also approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for permitting traditional buffalo and bul fights to be organised during Magh Bihu at Ahatguri in Morigaon district, Nagaon district or any other parts of the state.
