Remarks made by Basanta Kumar Goswami on the role of char-chapori Muslims in preserving the Assamese language have sparked a major debate across Assam, drawing mixed reactions from literary circles, student organisations and political leaders.
The controversy began after the Asam Sahitya Sabha president said during a public interaction that Assamese-speaking Muslims living in the riverine char-chapori areas have played a significant role in strengthening the Assamese linguistic community. He stated that their continued identification as Assamese speakers in the census is important for protecting the language and cultural identity of Assam.
Goswami said that if Muslims from char-chapori areas did not support the Assamese language movement, Assamese people could one day become “second-class citizens.” He further described the char residents as Assamese and sons of the soil, adding that a large section of Assamese speakers today comes from these areas.
However, the remarks triggered sharp criticism from several quarters, with many accusing him of linking language identity with census politics and making divisive statements.
All Assam Students’ Union chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya said the organisation agreed with Goswami’s statement that all Muslims should not be branded as Bangladeshis, but disagreed with his comments relating to language and census issues.
He said AASU would discuss the matter with the Asam Sahitya Sabha. AASU president Utpal Sarma also expressed disagreement with Goswami’s views on Assamese language and cultural identity, stating that the organisation did not accept his remarks.
The issue intensified after scholar Gahan Mahanta strongly criticised Goswami and questioned his understanding of Assam’s history and social realities. Mahanta termed the comments irresponsible and harmful and demanded that Goswami resign from the post of Sabha president and apologise to the people of Assam.
At the same time, Goswami’s remarks received support from Mandia MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed, who described the statement as long-overdue recognition of the Assamese identity of char-chapori Muslims.
Ahmed thanked Goswami for his comments and urged him to repeat the statement officially from the platform of the Asam Sahitya Sabha. However, he also expressed concern that such recognition often surfaces during census periods, while later the same communities are labelled as Bangladeshis.
Defending his position, Goswami argued that many indigenous communities such as Bodos and Mishings primarily identify themselves through their ethnic identities, whereas many Muslims from char areas continue to identify as Assamese speakers in official documents and public life.
The remarks have now triggered a wider discussion across Assam on language identity, census politics and the contribution of different communities to the state’s cultural and linguistic landscape.