The Assam movement, initiated in the late 1970s, encompassed cultural and economic concerns:
1. Cultural Preservation: A primary driver was the imperative to safeguard the Assamese language, culture, and identity from the influx of non-Assamese immigrants, notably from Bangladesh.
2. Economic Stagnation: Despite abundant resources, Assam suffered from economic underdevelopment, characterized by inadequate infrastructure. Residents perceived local resources as being exploited without proportional local benefit.
3. Political and Economic Objectives: The movement advocated for the removal of illegal immigrants, increased state autonomy, and development initiatives to combat regional economic backwardness.
Consequently, option (b) is the accurate choice.