Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced significant concern on Wednesday about the changing demographics in his state, noting a substantial increase in the Muslim population. Sarma emphasized that this issue is crucial for him, describing it as "a matter of life and death."

"Changing demography is a big issue for me. In Assam, the Muslim population has reached 40 percent today. In 1951, it was 12 percent," Sarma stated. He further stressed, "We have lost many districts. This is not a political issue for me. It is a matter of life and death for me."

This is not the first time Sarma has addressed population growth, particularly among the Muslim community. In June 2021, shortly after assuming office, Sarma identified "population explosion" as the root cause of economic disparities and poverty among minority Muslims in Assam. He announced initiatives to promote awareness about population control and distribute contraceptives in predominantly Muslim areas.

Last year, the Assam government planned a socio-economic survey of the state's five indigenous Muslim communities to implement measures for their upliftment. Additionally, Sarma has consistently raised concerns about illegal immigration and taken steps to combat encroachment in the state.

Following the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act in March, Sarma outlined conditions for recognizing Bengali-speaking Bangladeshi Muslims, known as 'Miya,' as indigenous people in Assam. He specified that the Miya community must adhere to certain cultural practices and norms, including limiting family size to two children, abstaining from polygamy, and preventing the marriage of minor daughters, to be recognized as indigenous in the state.