Guwahati, Aug. 25 -- A fiery political backlash has erupted in Assam following statements by activist and former Planning Commission member Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, who, during a recent visit, suggested that Bangladeshis also have a right to reside in the state.
Hameed, accompanied by a delegation of civil society figures including Prashant Bhushan, Harsh Mander, Jawahar Sircar, Wajahat Habibullah, and Fayaz Shaheen, was in Assam at the invitation of Asom Nagarik Sanmilan to assess eviction drives, citizenship issues, and treatment of Muslims in the state.
"What's wrong if they are Bangladeshis? Bangladeshis are also humans. Earth is so large; Bangladeshis can live here," she said, adding that "Allah has made this earth for humans, not for...