Bodo vs Bangladeshi

[G.Subramaniam]

Since 2006 a Muslim-dominated party, the Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF), has increased its number of seats in the state assembly. Last year it managed to emerge as the state’s main opposition party, behind only Congress (which won by a landslide). Immediately after the AUDF’s success, some Muslim leaders raised a demand for a special administrative zone for their people in western Assam, where they outnumber indigenous peoples like the Bodos and the Rabhas.



“This newfound Muslim assertiveness is most evident in their strongholds in western Assam,” says Mr Das. “But that is also the area where tribes like the Bodos and the Rabhas want to enjoy self-rule in their exclusive homelands. Conflict is inevitable - above url