Assam to Rewrite History Textbooks: CM Himanta Questions Saraighat Narrative

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state government has decided to rewrite history textbooks for high schools. Speaking at an event in Dhemaji, Sarma said he has instructed the Education Department to initiate the process.

CM Questions Historical Accounts in Existing Textbooks

While the Chief Minister did not clearly explain the overall reason for revising the textbooks, he raised doubts over certain historical narratives currently taught in schools. He specifically questioned the role of Ahom warrior Bagh Hazarika as mentioned in history books.

Claims Made About Battle of Saraighat

Addressing the gathering, Sarma claimed that Bagh Hazarika did not fight alongside Ahom general Lachit Barphukan against the Mughals during the Battle of Saraighat. According to him, it was Mising leader Miri Handique who fought the Mughals in the Kamrup region.

Statement Made at Mising Youth Festival

The remarks were made at the closing ceremony of the 10th Mising Youth Festival, organised by Takam Mising Porin Kebang at Kareng Chapori. Sarma made these statements in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Who Was Bagh Hazarika, As Per Historical Records

Ismail Siddique, widely known as Bagh Hazarika, is described in historical accounts as a 17th-century Ahom warrior who fought under Lachit Borphukan against the Mughal forces in 1671. He is believed to have been born into an Assamese Muslim family in Dhekerigaon village near present-day Sivasagar district.

Education Department Asked to Begin Revision

Confirming the decision, Sarma said he has informed Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu about rewriting history textbooks for high school students, indicating that changes will be introduced at the academic level.

Mising Community’s Role Highlighted on Infiltration Issue

Speaking on the issue of infiltration and land encroachment, the Chief Minister said the Mising community has played a significant role in protecting Upper Assam from encroachments. He claimed that areas with strong Mising presence have remained free from such issues.

Remarks Made on ‘Miya’ Term and Land Protection

Sarma also commented on the demographic issue, using the term “Miya,” which is commonly used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam. He stated that if the Mising community had lived across all districts, land encroachment could have been prevented.

Praise for Mising Community’s Contribution

The Chief Minister praised the Mising community for being hardworking and self-reliant. He credited them with playing a major role in safeguarding Assamese culture, land, and identity.

Financial Grants Announced at the Event

At the event, Sarma announced a ₹100 crore grant for the Mising Youth Festival. He also declared an additional ₹10 crore allocation for the upliftment of the Donyi-Polo society.