Nahid Islam, Convenor of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Chief Whip of the Opposition in the National Parliament, has strongly condemned the eviction of over 1,100 homes of Bengali Muslims and the destruction of more than 10 mosques in Assam, India.
He expressed his condemnation in a post on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday (October 21) night.
In the post, Nahid wrote that authorities demolished over 1,100 homes of Bengali Muslims in a recent eviction drive in Assam. It has also been reported that more than 10 mosques were destroyed during this time, some of which were over 50 years old.
He stated that although authorities cited the eviction of alleged illegal encroachers from government and forest lands, reports from Indian media indicate that many affected families have long-standing ties to the region. They have been living in these areas even prior to India’s independence. These families were rendered homeless without adequate arrangements for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Reports also suggest that several members of these families have been detained in detention centers. This eviction drive is part of a continuous pattern of discrimination and persecution against Bengali Muslims in India. The situation has become even more concerning due to the influence of Hindutva politics. Over the past decade, nearly 19,000 families have been displaced in the country.
Nahid Islam noted that for years, Bengali Muslims in India have faced oppression, forced pushbacks across the border, and exclusion from voter lists. Through these measures, targeted political agendas aimed at Muslim minorities are being executed, threatening their rights and security.
Comparing the eviction drive in Assam to the demolition of the historic Babri Masjid in 1992, Nahid said that the incident has become an enduring symbol of religious intolerance and communal division.
At this time, Nahid alleged that under Hindutva politics, India has failed to protect various minority communities, including Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs, as well as lower-caste Hindus.
The Opposition Chief Whip stated, “I urge the international community to immediately take notice of the persecution of Muslims by Indian authorities. The Indian government must be held accountable for severe human rights violations and attacks on religious freedom.”
Emphasizing that the principles of justice and equality must be maintained for every Indian citizen regardless of race, religion, or cultural identity, Nahid concluded his post stating, “India’s Muslims are also Indians.”
