Question

Analyse any two reasons for the Assam Movement against outsiders from 1979 to 1985.

Hint:

Name two reasons: fear of outsiders on voter lists and loss of identity, and the feeling that Assam resources did not help local people.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background:
The Assam movement of 1979-85 was a movement led by students against the entry of outsiders into the state. Here are two reasons.

Step 2: Fear for Assamese culture and political control:
Migrants from Bangladesh and other places came to Assam in large numbers. The Assamese feared that they would be reduced to a minority.
AASU claimed that foreigners had been put on the voter lists, as seen in the 1979 Mangaldoi by-election, and demanded their removal and deportation.

Step 3: Economic neglect:
Assam produces tea, oil and coal, but the local people felt that little benefit came to the state.
Competition from outsiders for jobs and land made the Assamese angry. The movement ended with the Assam Accord of 1985.

Final Answer:
Fear of losing culture and political control, and economic neglect, were the two reasons for the Assam movement.