Question

The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 is the best example of the movements against ‘outsiders’. Support the statement with suitable arguments.

Answer 1

The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 is the best example of movements against ‘outsiders’. This is because of the following:

1. The Assamese felt that there was a large number of undocumented Bangladeshi Muslim settlers. They believed that unless these foreign nationals were detected and deported, the indigenous Assamese people would be reduced to a minority.
2. Economic concerns were also raised. Despite its natural riches, Assam suffered from widespread poverty and unemployment. It was believed that these resources were taken out of the state with no corresponding benefit to the indigenous people.
3. In 1979, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), a non-party student organization, spearheaded an anti-foreigner campaign. The movement opposed illegal immigration, Bengali dominance, and inaccurate voter registration.
4. The campaign demanded the removal of all outsiders who entered the state after 24 March 1971.
5. The movement used various methods of protest. However, it also witnessed violent incidents that caused deaths and property damage. After years of struggle, the Rajiv Gandhi government began talks with AASU, leading to the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985. It was agreed that foreigners who entered Assam after 24 March 1971 would be detected and deported.
6. The Asom Gana Sangram Parishad and AASU later formed the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) after the success of the movement. The AGP came to power in 1985, promising to resolve the issue of foreign nationals and restore Assam’s pride.