In a significant move, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state will soon introduce legislation providing for life imprisonment in cases of “love jihad.” The term “love jihad” refers to a conspiracy theory promoted by Hindutva groups, alleging that Hindu women are being forcibly converted to Islam through marriage.
Speaking at a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state executive meeting in Guwahati, Sarma said, “At the time of elections, we had spoken about love jihad. In the coming days, we will bring a new law that will introduce life imprisonment as a penalty for love jihad cases.”
Land Sale Restrictions Announced
In addition to the “love jihad” legislation, the Chief Minister also revealed plans to implement new restrictions on land transactions between Hindus and Muslims. He stated that government approval would become mandatory for any sale of land between these communities. Sarma explained that this measure aims to protect the rights of indigenous people and prevent land transactions that could alter the demographic balance.
“Earlier, there was inter-religious land transfers. Hindus’ lands were bought by Muslims, Muslims’ lands were bought by Hindus. The government cannot prevent such transactions but it has decided that for the land of a Hindu to be bought by a Muslim and vice-versa, there can be land sale permission only after the chief minister’s consent is taken,” Sarma said, as reported by The Indian Express.
Focus on Indigenous Rights
Sarma emphasized that these decisions are part of the BJP government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of indigenous communities in Assam. He particularly highlighted the situation in Lower Assam’s Goalpara region, which is historically significant to the Koch Rajbongshi community. According to Sarma, people from a “particular community” have been acquiring land from indigenous residents, leading to demographic shifts.
“Undivided Goalpara was an integral part of Assam, of great importance to the Koch Rajbongshi community. But people from a particular community kept snatching land from our indigenous people there and today we are in the minority in our own land,” Sarma remarked. He added that the state government plans to introduce a law prohibiting the sale of land to members of certain communities in the erstwhile Undivided Goalpara district.
Broader Implications
These announcements are part of a broader political strategy by the Assam government, aligning with promises made during the 2021 state elections. The proposed laws are likely to spark significant debate and controversy, particularly around issues of religious freedom, property rights, and the protection of indigenous cultures.
