A Double Whammy for Assam’s Miya Muslims: How Political Exclusion Impacts Health
Political exclusion of Assam’s Bengal-origin Muslims (Miya) is driving a severe health crisis within the community.
The Miya population faces a "double whammy" of structural violence—such as forced detention and threats of deportation—and systemic denial of healthcare access.
Government policies are increasingly weaponizing public health infrastructure for surveillance, further alienating the community from essential services.
Impact of Political Action
During the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, community members were labeled "termites" and subjected to intense fear and mental distress; 89 percent of those surveyed reported extreme anxiety.
Structural violence, including forced evictions and prolonged detention, has led to a prevalence of hypertension, heart disease, and severe mental health conditions.
Mobility restrictions imposed on former detainees further compound health issues by limiting access to specialized care and routine follow-ups.
Limited Access to Healthcare
Nearly 2.5 million Miya Muslims reside in river islands (chars) with critically insufficient medical infrastructure: only 132 sub-centres and 52 primary health centres serve this population.
Living conditions are dire, with 91 percent of residents lacking access to clean drinking water and only 1.4 percent possessing sanitary latrines.
Public health initiatives, such as the boat clinic model, remain ineffective, leaving 81 percent of the river islands excluded from regular public healthcare.
The state’s refusal to provide biometric data for millions has rendered many unable to obtain Aadhaar cards, effectively blocking access to vital welfare and health schemes.
Weaponization of Health Systems
The Assam government has leveraged public health concerns, such as child marriage, to transform healthcare institutions into surveillance hubs rather than spaces for care.
This practice has created a profound trust deficit, where health workers and institutions are viewed with fear, further discouraging the community from seeking medical assistance.
