Meghalaya TMC youth leader, Richard Mrong Marak has voiced objections to a statement by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in which he said that the prices of vegetables are witnessing a surge because most of the sellers are from the ‘Miya’ community.
Marak said his statement is highly discriminatory and divisive. “His comments have been targeted towards a particular community and are based on stereotypes and misinformation. It also reflects a lack of knowledge and understanding of the community in question and not based on facts and are a product of his own biases,” he said.
Marak stated that prices of vegetables are determined by market forces and are not influenced by the ethnicity of the seller. “It is important to note that the term “Miya” is considered a derogatory term and is used to describe Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam. The CM’s statement that “Assamese youths” should drive away “Miya” vegetable sellers is highly inflammatory and could lead to communal tensions and this is harmful and create an environment of fear and mistrust,” the youth leader said.
He pointed out that the community in question has been an integral part of Assam’s culture and heritage for centuries and have contributed to the state’s development and have played a crucial role in its progress.
Calling for legal action should be taken against such leaders who incite violence and hatred against any particular community, Marak added, “Discrimination against any community is like a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our society. It is unacceptable and goes against the principles of democracy and humanity.”
