AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The video, posted on Assam BJP’s official X handle, prompts widespread outrage from political leaders, human rights activists, and the Muslim community.
Assam’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come under intense criticism after a controversial video posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account showed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma symbolically firing at Muslims. The video has ignited widespread debate and concern over the safety and dignity of the state’s Muslim community.
The video depicts Sarma aiming a rifle at images representing Muslims, accompanied by captions such as “point-blank shoot” and Assamese texts urging a “foreigner-free Assam” and questioning why Muslims have not left for Pakistan, alongside messages like “no mercy” and “no pardon for Bangladeshis.” Political analysts and human rights observers have described the post as deeply provocative and inflammatory.
“The video is shocking and completely unacceptable,” said Azharuddin Ahmed, a Guwahati-based community leader. “It sends a message of fear and intimidation to the Muslim community, who are already facing harassment and discrimination. We demand immediate action and accountability.”
In the footage, the chief minister appears in a rifle-firing stance targeting symbolic representations of Muslims, culminating in a scene where he dons a cowboy-style outfit with a star-badged leather vest and hat, holding a revolver in a cinematic ‘Wild West’ manner. Critics have condemned this as an attempt to glorify violence against minorities.
Sarma’s history of controversial remarks against Muslims has further exacerbated concerns. Earlier, he had urged measures to “harass” Muslim voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He suggested that local Muslim rickshaw drivers be paid less than the standard fare to force them to leave Assam, a statement widely regarded as discriminatory and malicious.
Human rights groups have expressed alarm at the rising incidents of communal targeting in Assam. “This is not just a political stunt; it is a dangerous escalation that encourages hate and violence,” said Ananya Sen, a human rights activist based in North East India. “The BJP government must take responsibility and refrain from actions that divide communities and threaten minority rights.”
Opposition leaders have also voiced their criticism. “The chief minister’s behaviour and the party’s endorsement of such content show a deliberate strategy to polarise voters,” stated a senior Congress leader. “This is not leadership; it is intimidation, and it undermines the principles of democracy and secularism.”
The controversy comes as Assam prepares for assembly elections, with political observers noting an increase in rhetoric aimed at creating communal divisions. Analysts warn that such provocations could inflame tensions and jeopardise social harmony in the region.
Community representatives have urged the government to take concrete steps to protect minorities and stop incendiary messaging. “We are law-abiding citizens contributing to Assam’s growth. Videos like this only make us feel unsafe in our own homes,” said Farida Begum, a resident.
The BJP has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the backlash, and the video continues to circulate widely across social media platforms, raising serious concerns over the rising climate of fear for Assam’s Muslim population.
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