The Neo-Assamese Muslims and Politics of ‘Othering’ in Assam

Abstract

In recent times, the politics of Assam witnessed attempts to ‘othering’ the neo-Assamese Muslims from the Assamese nationality, who by adopting Assamese language in Brahmaputra valley became ‘neo-Assamese’ after independence. These neo-Assamese became the savior of Assamese language in Brahmaputra valley and became an integral part of Assamese nationality. However, BJP, in recent times, has openly tried to ‘othering’ the neo-Assamese from the idea of Assamese, and has tried to create an idea of Assamese nationalism based on Hindu identity. Against this backdrop, this paper tries to understand how, during last seven decades after independence, these immigrant Muslims emerged as neo-Assamese and became an integral part of Assamese nationality, and now the community is emerging as an enemy of Assamese people in politics of Assam, as portrayed by BJP. It also tries to understand why BJP’s politics of ‘othering’ the immigrant Muslims is gaining ground among the Assamese people.