GUWAHATI: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said Wednesday that the state has recorded a spike in kidney ailments over the past four years due to people eating fish farmed in Nagaon and Morigaon and accused producers in these two districts of using urea and a “particular waste” collected from Guwahati.
“There are various organic ways to increase production of fish. It will not work if they continue adopting shortcuts for fish production,” he said.
While he did not directly name any religion or caste, his statement alludes to the backlash against “Miyas” in Assam.The term “Miya” is often used disparagingly to refer to immigrant Muslims of Bangladeshi origin, who dominate the fish industry in Nagaon and Morigaon.
Sarma’s remarks come against a backdrop of tensions following the Aug 22 gang rape of a class 10 student by three youths from the minority community in Nagaon.
Producers in the two districts declared a “fish blockade”, cutting off supplies to upper Assam after ethnic community outfits in four districts asked immigrants to leave. “I have told the people of upper Assam that it is good if they (Nagaon and Morigaon) do not send fish. Take this opportunity and grab the market, not through conflicts, but by producing fish are fit for health,” he said.
Fish is an integral part of the people’s diet and culture in Assam. The state requires around 40,000 metric tonnes a month, with over 98% of this demand met by local production. Morigaon, Nagaon, and Cachar are the state’s top producers. Assam procures fish from other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar.