Assam was a part of Myanmar, claims Advocate Kapil Sibal in Supreme Court; Assam CM denies

In a recent development, the Assam government has vehemently contested the assertion made by advocate Kapil Sibal in the Supreme Court that Assam was once a part of Myanmar. Pijush Hazarika, the government spokesperson, countered Sibal's claim, emphasizing that Assam has historically been an integral part of Bharatvarsh and has never been associated with Myanmar.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed this sentiment, dismissing Sibal's statement as historically inaccurate. "Those who do not know should not speak. Assam was never a part of Myanmar," asserted Chief Minister Sarma. He further elucidated that historical records indicate clashes between people from Myanmar and Assam, leading to a brief period of occupation. However, Assam has consistently maintained its distinctive identity.

Kapil Sibal made the controversial claim during a hearing on December 5, as part of multiple petitions challenging the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act of 1955. Sibal argued that tracing migration in Assam's history was an impossible task, claiming that Assam was originally a part of Myanmar until 1824 when the British, post-conquest, handed it over to the British Empire.

Nevertheless, the Assam government spokesperson and Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that such historical narratives lacked credibility. "I should not comment on what is said in the Supreme Court. A lawyer says anything as part of an argument," stated Chief Minister Sarma.

The dispute over Assam's historical identity arises amidst ongoing legal deliberations on the Citizenship Act. As the controversy unfolds, the government of Assam remains steadfast in affirming the state's deep-rooted connection to Bharatvarsh and its distinct historical trajectory.