Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that the state government will introduce two new laws aimed at addressing concerns over ‘land jihad’ and ‘love jihad.’ During an extended session of the BJP’s state and executive meeting, Sarma revealed that the proposed legislation will include severe penalties for those involved in ‘love jihad,’ including life imprisonment.
The Chief Minister outlined that under the new laws, any individual wishing to purchase property across religious lines—whether a Muslim buying a Hindu’s property or a Hindu buying a Muslim’s property—would need government permission. The legislation is expected to be introduced during the Monsoon Session of the Assam Assembly later this month.
Sarma emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous Assamese people. “The more Congress attempts to destabilize us, the more we will progress,” Sarma asserted. He also criticized past practices, such as the 30 percent reservation given to a specific community for police constable positions, indicating a shift in the government’s approach.
The proposed laws aim to prevent inter-religious land transfers and are part of a broader effort to address what Sarma described as a threat to indigenous land ownership. “One special community is taking away the land of indigenous people of Assam. We will enact legislation to ensure that our land remains with the indigenous and backward communities,” Sarma declared.
Assam Repealing Bill
In addition, Sarma announced plans to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935. The new legislation, known as The Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, aims to standardize marriage and divorce registration practices across all communities.
“The state Cabinet has approved the repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, and its accompanying rules,” Sarma stated. “This move is part of our effort to ensure equality in the registration of marriage and divorce.”
According to the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 34.22 percent of Assam’s population, while Hindus and adherents of other religions make up the remaining 65.78 percent of the state’s 3.12-crore population.
