In a bold reaffirmation of Assam’s immigration policy, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that individuals officially declared as foreigners must leave the state unless they have filed legal appeals. He emphasized that the state government is strictly adhering to Supreme Court as Assam to deport illegal immigrants directives on the matter of illegal immigrants and deportation.
The statement comes amid growing debate over the status of individuals identified by Foreigners’ Tribunals across the state. Addressing reporters on Friday, Sarma declared, “Those who have exhausted all legal options and failed to prove their Indian citizenship must leave Assam. Deportation is not just a policy—it’s a legal necessity.”
Coordination with Bangladesh Underway
Sarma further revealed that the Government of India is coordinating with the Bangladesh government to facilitate the deportation process of declared foreigners. “Deportation is being carried out through diplomatic and legal frameworks. The central government is in constant communication with Dhaka to ensure cooperation,” he added.
While declining to provide exact numbers, officials in the Assam Home Department confirmed that several declared foreigners. Assam to deport illegal immigrants, primarily from Bangladesh, have already been repatriated in recent months.
Supreme Court Guidelines Drive Action
The Chief Minister underscored that Assam’s actions are in strict compliance with Supreme Court directives on identifying and deporting illegal immigrants. The issue has been a sensitive and politically charged topic in Assam for decades, particularly since the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
“In Assam, this is not a political issue—this is about the rule of law,” said Sarma. “We are a border state, and our responsibility is to preserve our demography and legal integrity.”
The NRC, published in August 2019, excluded over 1.9 million applicants, leading to confusion, appeals, and legal disputes. However, Sarma stressed that only those who are declared foreigners by due legal process and fail to appeal will be deported.
Rights Groups Raise Concerns
While the government’s stance is clear, several human rights organizations have expressed concerns over the deportation process. Critics argue that many of those declared foreigners may have been victims of bureaucratic errors or lack of documentation.
“We urge the government to ensure that no genuine Indian citizen is deported due to procedural lapses,” said Bhaskar Dutta, spokesperson for the Assam Human Rights Network. “Access to legal aid and transparent hearings must be ensured before any deportation.”
In response, Sarma said the government provides legal aid to those who claim Indian citizenship but added that abuse of the legal system to delay deportation must end. “Justice must not be denied, but it must also not be delayed endlessly.”
Local Impact and Political Implications
The policy has wide-reaching implications in Assam, a state with a long history of demographic tensions. Sarma’s announcement is likely to garner support among local communities concerned about unchecked immigration. But may face criticism from opposition parties and activists.
Political observers see this as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Assam. “It plays well with a large voter base that demands strict action on illegal immigration,” said political analyst Arup Das.
Way Forward
With coordination ongoing between India and Bangladesh, the state government expects the deportation process to accelerate. Meanwhile, Foreigners’ Tribunals continue to process pending cases. And legal aid cells are being set up in various districts to ensure fairness in proceedings.
The Assam government has launched a citizen verification portal where individuals can track their application or appeal status. Citizens are encouraged to utilize it to avoid misinformation.
Stay updated on Assam’s immigration and legal developments via our Northeast India section.