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Muslim Prayer Video Falsely Linked to Protests Against Assam CM Sarma
Recent social media posts claiming to show Muslims in Assam praying for the removal of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have been debunked as misleading. The viral video, which shows thousands of people chanting “Allah-Allah” at a religious gathering, has no connection to Assam or any protests against the BJP-led state government.
Fact-checking by India Today has revealed the footage actually shows a religious congregation at the Charmonai Darbar Sharif in Barisal, Bangladesh, not an anti-government protest in India as claimed.
The misleading claims emerged against the backdrop of controversial eviction drives carried out by the Assam government across several districts, including Golpara. These operations have resulted in the demolition of numerous homes, with some affected residents alleging discrimination. Many claimed that under Sarma’s leadership, only Muslim homes were targeted while houses belonging to Hindus and people of other faiths were spared—allegations the state government has firmly rejected.
The video began circulating widely when an X (formerly Twitter) user shared the clip with the caption: “Muslims in Assam praying to Allah to remove Himanta Biswa Sarma from the Chief Minister post.” This framing attempted to connect the religious gathering to political opposition against the eviction drives in Assam.
Through reverse image searches of keyframes from the video, investigators traced the original footage to a Facebook post by a Bangladeshi religious leader named Muhammad Raj, who shared it on November 27. Raj had recorded the video himself at the event but did not initially specify its location or timing.
Further examination of Raj’s Facebook page revealed another video from the same event posted on November 29, with a caption mentioning it was from the “Charmonai Mahfil” he was attending. This crucial detail helped establish the true source of the footage.
Keyword searches for “Charmonai Mahfil” led to reports in Bangladeshi media outlets, including The Business Standard and Deshkal News, which confirmed that the event is a bi-annual religious gathering held at the Charmonai Darbar Sharif in Barisal, Bangladesh. These congregations typically take place during the Bengali months of Agrahayan and Falgun. The gathering shown in the viral video was part of the Agrahayan Mahfil held from November 26 to 28.
Corroborating evidence came from a longer video of the same event available on the YouTube channel Abu Bakar Media. The footage in the viral clip matches sequences found at the 26-minute-49-second mark of this comprehensive recording of the Charmonai Mahfil.
When contacted directly by India Today Fact Check, Moulana Muhammad Raj confirmed that the video was indeed recorded at the Charmonai Mahfil in Bangladesh on November 27 and had no connection to political demonstrations in Assam.
The misrepresentation of this religious gathering highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation surrounding politically sensitive issues in India. The eviction drives in Assam remain controversial, with competing narratives about their implementation and impact on different communities.
This incident underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity and context of videos before drawing conclusions, particularly when they concern politically charged situations where religious and ethnic tensions may be heightened.
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16 Comments
Fact-checking is crucial to maintain public trust and prevent the spread of harmful misinformation, especially on sensitive topics like this. I commend the disinformation commission’s efforts.
The allegations of discrimination in the Assam eviction drives are serious and deserve careful investigation. Both sides should be heard before jumping to conclusions.
Absolutely. These are complex issues with many nuances, and oversimplifying or spreading unconfirmed claims can further inflame tensions.
This is a concerning case of how social media can be used to spread misinformation. I hope the relevant authorities continue to actively counter such false claims.
It’s concerning to see misinformation spreading about this religious gathering in Bangladesh being falsely linked to protests in India. Fact-checking is crucial to prevent the spread of such misleading claims.
Agreed. Verifying the source and context of videos is important, especially when they touch on sensitive political and religious issues.
While the video may be unrelated to the Assam situation, the broader concerns about the treatment of Muslim communities deserve attention. Upholding the rule of law and protecting civil rights should be priorities.
It’s good to see the disinformation commission fact-checking these claims. Maintaining accuracy and transparency in reporting on sensitive political and social issues is crucial.
Yes, fact-checking helps counter the spread of misinformation, which can have real-world consequences. Reliable sources are key in these matters.
Misinformation and false narratives can inflame tensions and distract from the real issues at hand. Careful, impartial analysis is needed to understand the nuances of this situation.
Agreed. Maintaining objectivity and focusing on the facts is essential, especially when dealing with sensitive topics that can easily become politicized.
The Assam situation seems to be a complex blend of politics, demographics, and competing claims of discrimination. I hope all stakeholders can engage constructively to find fair solutions.
Agreed. Overcoming polarization and finding common ground will be key to addressing the underlying issues in a productive manner.
While the video may be unrelated, the broader issues around the Assam eviction drives and treatment of Muslim communities deserve serious attention and dialogue. Oversimplification helps no one.
Well said. These are complex, multifaceted issues that require nuanced discussion and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
The video issue aside, the Assam eviction drives seem to be a complex and contentious topic. I hope all sides can engage constructively to find fair and sustainable solutions.