Assam: A video posted on the official social media account of the Assam BJP has triggered a political controversy across the country, leading to police complaints, legal action and strong reactions from political leaders and civil society groups. The video, which people have named the ‘Miya Bullet’ video was later deleted, but it had already gone viral and sparked heated debate over illegal immigration and communal harmony in Assam.
The video, uploaded on February 7 showed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a dramatic shooting-style scene inspired by Western films. The clip also included computer-generated visuals showing bullets striking men wearing skullcaps and beards. Such visuals were widely seen as representing Muslim identity. Text messages in the video included phrases such as ‘Foreigner Free Assam,’ ‘No Mercy,’ and Assamese lines asking ‘Why did you not go to Pakistan?’ along with the statement ‘There is no forgiveness for Bangladeshis.’ The caption of the post read ‘Point Blank Shot,’ which further increased controversy and criticism.
Opposition parties strongly objected to the video. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Dispur Police Station on February 8. The complaint accused the Chief Minister and the BJP of promoting hatred between communities under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 153A, 295A and 505. Former APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah called the video a ‘call to genocide’ and said it threatened the safety of minorities. He also said the post showed ‘communal provocation ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.’
Political reactions were not limited to Assam. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi filed a complaint with Delhi Police, calling the video an ‘open incitement to violence’ and demanding immediate action. Human rights activist Harsh Mander also filed a separate complaint warning that such content could increase ethnic tensions in Assam, which has a long history of immigration-related conflicts. By February 9, left parties such as CPI(M) and CPI approached the Supreme Court seeking directions for a formal investigation saying that the lack of action by state authorities showed bias.
The controversy quickly spread across social media platforms. Hashtags such as #MiyaBullet and #HimantaHate began trending with users sharply divided in their opinions. Some supported the Chief Minister’s stand saying strict action against illegal immigrants was necessary. Others criticized the video as dangerous and communal. A viral post by fact-checker Mohammed Zubair linked the video to earlier controversial remarks allegedly made about ‘Miya’ communities. Lawyer and Congress spokesperson Aman Wadud also criticized the video accusing the government of mixing up citizens with illegal immigrants.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to the controversy during a press conference on February 9. He said he was ‘ready to go to jail’ if required but maintained that the video and his statements were aimed only at ‘illegal Bangladeshi migrants,’ not Indian Muslims. He said illegal entry into the country is a crime and claimed that more than 330 such intruders had recently been pushed back. He also accused earlier Congress governments of allowing illegal migration by supporting the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act of 1983.
Illegal immigration has remained a sensitive political issue in Assam for decades, especially since the Assam Movement of the 1970s and 1980s. The state government has repeatedly claimed that large areas of land have been encroached upon by illegal migrants, which has raised concerns among many indigenous communities about cultural and demographic changes. Supporters of the government say strict measures are necessary to protect Assamese identity.
