Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday that his Government will bring a new law that would criminalise “love jihad”. The proposed law will have provision for life imprisonment if found guilty. Sarma’s statement comes days after the Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, providing for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment to the offenders convicted under certain circumstances.

Speaking at the State BJP executive meet held at the Assam’s capital, Sarma said, “We spoke about ‘love jihad’ during the elections. Soon, we will bring a law, which will award life imprisonment in such cases.” However, he did not talk about any deadline regarding the proposed law.

Sarma also said the Government will also bring in new domicile policy, allowing only those born in the State to be entitled for Government jobs, he said. The Assam Chief Minister maintained that indigenous people have received priority in the “one lakh Government jobs” provided as per a pre-poll promise, which will be evident when the complete list is published.

The Chief Minister said the Assam Government has also taken a decision regarding the sale of land between Hindus and Muslims.

Earlier this week, Sarma had said the Government will end the VIP culture, and from now on, only vegetarian and satvik food will be served in every Government programme. Sarma also said the State Government will launch a pilot project to simultaneously issue Aadhaar cards and birth certificates to newborns in 13 medical colleges.