Avoid consuming fish produced using urea by 'Miya Muslims': Assam CM

Digital Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently called for a switch to indigenous and organic fish to prevent diseases associated with fish grown using urea fertilizers. Sarma criticized the consumption of such fish and condemned the new format of Miya Bihu, calling it an insult to Assamese culture.

“Miya Muslims use urea fertilizer to produce fish, which has resulted in liver disease; we should avoid that. Assamese need to produce fish in Upper Assam,” Sarma stated. 

His remarks followed concerns raised by local fish traders in Nagaon, who warned that fish from their area might contain high urea levels, potentially causing kidney diseases. The traders announced a boycott of fish supply to Lower Assam, urging a shift to healthier, organically produced alternatives.

Sarma also addressed cultural tensions surrounding Miya Bihu, a new version of the traditional festival introduced by the Miya Muslim community. He blamed the new rendition and the arrest of its lead singer, Altaf Hussain, for insulting Assamese traditions. 

“Amongst all this, a new version of Miya Bihu has come out disturbing our community. We are a proud nation and cannot accept these attacks on our culture,” Sarma added, urging the preservation of cultural integrity.