The move is aimed at addressing the state’s changing demography, which Sarma has said is a “huge concern” and a “matter of life and death” for him.
He has previously spoken about the need for population control measures and has laid down conditions for the recognition of Bengali-speaking Bangladeshi Muslims, known as ‘Miya’, as indigenous people in the state.
The new domicile policy is expected to be a part of Sarma’s efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration and protect the interests of the indigenous population of Assam.
‘Love jihad’ cases
Sarma further said that the Assam government will also soon bring in a law that will have provisions for life imprisonment in ‘love jihad’ cases.
The announcement comes days after the Uttar Pradesh Assembly approved a Bill that aims to amend the Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, increasing the maximum punishment to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh for violators.
The amendment targets anyone who threatens, attacks, marries, promises to marry, conspires, or traffics a woman, minor, or any person with the intention of conversion, categorizing these actions as severe crimes.
The proposed amendment, named the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2024, stipulates penalties of 20 years to life imprisonment for such offenses. Previously, the maximum punishment was 10 years and a fine of Rs 50,000.