Assam Muslim body seeks indigenous tag

GUWAHATI, Jan 18 : The Asomiya Muslim Parishad, a newly formed organization demanding status of indigenous community for the Asomiya Muslims in the State, is planning to hold a roundtable conference with other indigenous communities of the State soon.

As per the Asomiya Muslim Parishad, the Muslim minority population in Asom is around 90 lakh, of which the indigenous Muslims constitute only around 40 per cent. The Parishad, however, alleged that the government had always ignored the indigenous Muslims and given more interest to the welfare of those Muslims who came from outside the State.

Newly appointed chairman of the Parishad Nekibur Zaman said, “The indigenous Muslims have been playing a pivotal role in Asomiya society from the political, cultural and social points of view. We have formed this organization to demand our rightful share of the benefits provided by the Government of India under its minority welfare schemes.”

Zaman further said, “Besides demanding the status of an indigenous community, we will also hold talks with other communities to mutually address the common problems plaguing the various communities of the State.”