Golaghat, Jan. 29 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday defended his remarks on "Miya Muslims" amid criticism from the Opposition, stating that the term was not given by him but is used by the community itself.

He said that those attacking him should read the Supreme Court of India's observation.

Speaking to the reporters, CM Sarma said that those who migrated from Bangladesh refer to themselves as 'Miya'. "Those who have come from Bangladesh call themselves 'Miya'. I did not give them that name; it is they who call themselves that."

The Chief Minister further added, "They only said to call them Miya. They wrote Miya poetry. If we say 'miya, miya', they can also call us 'Assamese, Assamese'; and what is the problem wi...