By News Desk 
Debates surrounding Waqf properties and land ownership have been intensifying across India for some time. The issue is currently under judicial review. Amid this backdrop, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made a strong statement that could significantly affect the future construction of mosques in the state.
Sarma stated that the state government will not tolerate any interference with religious sites or traditional practices. He specifically appealed to minority communities—particularly Muslims—not to build mosques near Assam’s traditional Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) and to refrain from the public consumption of beef near such sacred spaces.
Protecting Assam’s Cultural and Spiritual Identity
CM Sarma emphasized that such actions threaten the social harmony of the region. He explained that Satras are not merely religious institutions but are deeply embedded in Assam’s cultural and spiritual heritage. These centers are associated with Ekasarana Dharma, a neo-Vaishnavite movement started by the 15th-century saint and social reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. They play a vital role in the state’s socio-cultural fabric.
However, the Chief Minister noted that in certain districts, such as Dhubri and Barpeta, there have been instances of encroachment on Satra lands and construction of mosques nearby. Such developments, he warned, could inflame tensions between communities.
“Certain Things Are Non-Negotiable”
Sarma was direct in his remarks, saying that when mosques are built near Satras and the call to prayer (Azaan) overlaps with Satra prayers (Namghar), or when beef is cooked close to these spiritual centers, it creates unavoidable conflict. In such situations, he said, “outsiders should step back rather than escalate the situation.” He made it clear that these are non-negotiable issues for the state.
Final Report from the Satra Commission
Earlier this week, the Chief Minister received the final report from the Satra Commission (Satra Aayog), which was established in 2021 to assess the condition of Satra lands and related disputes. The commission visited 126 Satras and made several recommendations to the government.
CM Sarma acknowledged that the state cannot support all 922 Satras individually and called on the public to help preserve these institutions and their cultural legacy.
What Are Satras?
Satras are Vaishnavite monasteries unique to Assam, rooted in the monotheistic Ekasarana Dharma tradition. Initiated by Srimanta Sankardeva during the 15th–16th centuries, these centers function not only as religious institutions but also as hubs for arts, education, and community life.
New Mosque Construction Could Become Challenging
The commission’s findings and Sarma’s stern tone indicate that the Assam government is preparing to take firm action to preserve the sanctity of religious sites and maintain communal balance. While official policies are yet to be finalized, it’s widely believed that the construction of new mosques in certain areas may become significantly more difficult following the Chief Minister’s recent remarks.