GUWAHATI: In response to a question about whether the Assam Police would detain former U.S. President Barack Obama, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stirred some controversy on Twitter by asserting that India has many "Hussain Obama" (sic) to be dealt with.

The tweet was sent out the day after Obama warned that India may "pull apart" if the rights of racial and religious minorities are not safeguarded. The preservation of the Muslim minority in a Hindu majority country like India is something that should be brought up if the [U.S.] President meets with Prime Minister Modi. Obama told media ahead of the Modi-Biden meeting in Washington, "If I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, who I know well, part of my argument would be that if you don't protect the rights of ethnic minorities in India, there is a good chance that India would eventually start falling apart.

 Many officials, including BJP vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda, criticised Obama's remarks, calling it absurd to see the former US President "pander to the anti-India crowd, lecturing India in the same breath as China for its atrocities in Xinjiang."

  When Obama responded to a journalist who appeared to be making fun of him in a tweet by asking whether a FIR had been filed in Guwahati yet against him for hurting people's feelings and whether the Assam police would travel to Washington to arrest him, Sarma joined in the criticism of Obama.

The tweet from journalist Rohini Singh appeared to be a reference to Congress politician Pawan Khera being deplaned and taken into custody by the Assam Police after he used "objectionable words" to criticise Modi.

There are several Hussain Obamas living in India alone. Prioritising their care should come before thinking about visiting Washington. The Assam police will conduct themselves in accordance with our own priorities, Sarma said. The post made reference to Barack Hussein Obama II, who is Obama's full name.

Many people on Twitter pointed out that the Assam Chief Minister's disparaging statement came just one day after Prime Minister Modi assured the American press that caste or religious prejudice was not an issue in India.

PM Modi Concludes US State Visit and Embarks on Egypt Tour

PM Modi US: New India-US Journey Begins; Tamil Studies Chair at University of Houston