Story perspectives

Deleted BJP Video Sparks Outrage Over Anti-Muslim Violence

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

A deleted AI-generated video from India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) showed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appearing to shoot at images of Muslims, leading to widespread condemnation.
Critics, including Congress leaders, described the video as inciting violence and genocide against Muslims, who constitute one-third of Assam's population.
Sarma has been accused of fostering anti-Muslim sentiment, particularly against Bengali-speaking Muslims.
The BJP has not issued an official response, and the video's deletion has been criticized as inadequate, prompting calls for judicial action.

History

Historical Context

The 2012 Assam Riots erupted on July 20, fueled by longstanding ethnic tensions between the indigenous Bodo people and Bengali-speaking Muslims, resulting in over 100 deaths and displacing 400,000 individuals. Criticism mounted against the Indian National Congress-led government for its inadequate response. Today, BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma's controversial remarks revive these historical divisions, threatening social cohesion in a region plagued by conflict.

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Story summary

A deleted AI-generated video from India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) showed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appearing to shoot at images of Muslims, leading to widespread condemnation.
Critics, including Congress leaders, described the video as inciting violence and genocide against Muslims, who constitute one-third of Assam's population.
Sarma has been accused of fostering anti-Muslim sentiment, particularly against Bengali-speaking Muslims.
The BJP has not issued an official response, and the video's deletion has been criticized as inadequate, prompting calls for judicial action.

1 / 2