Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking on the issue of suspected illegal immigrants said that those he refers to as “Miyas” would not find peace in the state as long as he holds office.
Sarma said, “As long as I am the chief minister, no Miya can rest in peace. That is final.” He added that the only way the community could “attain peace” was if he was removed from the chief minister’s chair. The term “Miya” is commonly used in Assam to describe Bengali-speaking Muslims, and his statement drew sharp attention across political circles.
His remarks came soon after eviction drives in Goalpara district were completed. The chief minister said similar eviction operations would take place in Nagaon within the next two to three days. He said the government would continue to increase its actions against what it considers illegal settlers, especially if criticism of the state’s policies grows. 
Sarma said it was his “job to punish” those he identifies as illegal residents. He added that such people would “continue to bear the pain and cry in front of the media” and that the government’s stand would not change. He also warned that suspected illegal immigrants attending opposition meetings would face similar pressure. According to him, they would “find no peace,” whether at his events or programmes held by opposition leaders like Zubeen Garg, Gaurav Gogoi or Rakibul Hussain.
The chief minister said that remaining silent might give some relief. “It’s a different thing if they don’t speak against the BJP government,” he said. However, he said that eviction drives would not slow down.
