Assam Congress Lodges Police Complaint Over BJP's AI Video On Illegal Migrants

Guwahati:

The Congress party, Assam's primary opposition, has filed a police complaint against the BJP state unit regarding an AI-generated video shared on official social media channels that depicts Bangladeshi Muslims as a threat to indigenous populations.

Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition in Assam, has criticized the central government for failing to fulfill previous commitments on illegal migration and questioned border security effectiveness following the controversial AI video post.

According to Saikia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made assurances during his visit to Assam, promising action after the 2014 election results were announced.

"The Assam Accord establishes March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date. Anyone arriving after that date, regardless of religion or caste, must be deported," stated Saikia. He argued that recent legislative changes, including the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act and subsequent measures, have undermined Assam's special protections and status.

Saikia cautioned that expanding citizenship based on religious identity would damage Assam's cultural heritage and demographic composition.

"Neither Hindu nor Muslim Assamese accept foreigners integrating into our social fabric. Foreigners remain foreigners, irrespective of their religion," he emphasized.

He added that the Prime Minister should have provided definitive assurances to the state.

Saikia also criticized central agencies, demanding accountability from Home Minister Amit Shah and border security forces.

"If people continue entering Assam despite those promises, who bears responsibility? What are the BSF and other border police doing? If necessary, Amit Shah should be declared an ineffective minister," Saikia remarked.

He accused the Assam Police of inconsistent enforcement—responding quickly to certain politically sensitive cases while delaying action against provocative statements from ruling party leaders.

The Congress's communication department and state unit had previously filed a police case regarding the AI clip, declaring that AI-based attempts to manipulate public opinion were "absolutely wrong."

In response, BJP's Assam vice-president Ratna Singh defended the AI clip, claiming it reflected the "reality" of demographic shifts in Assam and alleging that Bangladeshi migrants had gained control over local markets and land.

Singh characterized the situation as a conspiracy weakening Assam and the Northeast, blamed the Congress for misgovernance, and distinguished between "original Assamese Muslims" and what she described as "insurgent Bangladeshi" elements.

"If you consider yourself Indian, you will never allow the northeast to become 'MIA land'," she declared.