He said a delegation met Mr Gogoi at the state secretariat to discuss the problems faced by the Minority muslims in the state. During their meeting, the Markazi representatives also expressed concern over the recent exodus of suspected Bangladeshis from various upper and central Assam districts following the boycott call issued by some groups. Mr Islam said the Chief Minister assured them that he would not allow the harassment of Muslims in the name of Bangladeshis in future.
According to the Markazi, all those who fled from the different districts of Assam were genuine Indian citizens who had gone there to earn a livelihood after their properties were washed away by the devastating flood last year. Mr Islam also favoured the speedy formation of all party committees in police stations in the state to monitor the illegal migrants issue and demanded immediate fencing of the border of the state with Bangladesh to stop the influx.

The religious body further advocated the need to strengthen the Illegal Migrants Determination Tribunal Act (IMDT) of 1983 applicable in Assam for detection and deportation of illegal migrants. The Markazi leaders also favoured giving OBC status to the Muslims for their socio-economic development.

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