Washington, D.C. (August 14, 2012) -- Hindu Americans expressed serious concern this week over recent riots and violence in the northeastern Indian state of Assam.  Bordering Bangladesh, Assam has been plagued by widespread clashes between the indigenous Bodo tribal population and Bangladeshi Muslim migrants since late July.  Confined mainly to Kokrajhar, Chirang, and Dhubri districts, the violence has resulted in more than 70 deaths and has displaced hundreds of thousands of villagers from their homes, including both Bodos and Bangladeshi Muslims.  The Bodos are primarily Hindus (approximately 90%), but also comprise a significant number of Christians (nearly 10%).

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned the violence and called on both sides to exercise restraint. HAF further urged the Assam state and Indian central governments to restore peace to the riot affected areas and rehabilitate the displaced villagers to their homes.  

"This type of uncontrolled violence is as tragic as it is unacceptable and must be brought to an immediate end," said Jay Kansara, HAF's Washington, D.C. based Associate Director.  "The state and central governments have a responsibility to protect the lives and property of the Assamese people and ensure their safe return to their homes."

While news reports indicate that the violence initially began after the targeted killings of four Bodo men by Bangladeshi Muslims, several other factors reportedly contributed to the conflict.  Bodos and other tribal groups in Assam, for instance, have long complained of the influx of illegal Bangladeshi Muslim migrants from across the border and the resulting demographic shift in the state.  According to the latest Indian census data, 11 out of 27 districts in Assam now have Muslim majority populations.  

The illegal migration has produced substantial social and economic upheaval in the state and created resentment amongst its indigenous tribes.  Bodo leaders assert that Bangladeshi Muslim settlers have increasingly encroached on tribal land and used their growing political power to impose their culture and religion in the area.   Moreover, despite their illegal status, the migrants have received voting rights and government benefits in Assam, reportedly to capture favorable votes for coming elections.

"The continued illegal migration from Bangladesh and the consequent impact on the life and culture of the indigenous tribes in Assam needs to be urgently addressed," said Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF's Director and Senior Fellow for Human Rights.  "While there may be an economic motivation for migrants to leave Bangladesh for India, it is ironic that these illegal migrants are afforded government benefits in India,while many persecuted Hindus from Bangladesh and Pakistan live in perpetual fear of deportation."