Assam Repatriates 1,679 Illegal Immigrants to Bangladesh in Two Years: Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Aarav krish
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Assam government has informed the state Assembly that 1,679 illegal immigrants were repatriated to Bangladesh over the past two years, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stating that the action was carried out under existing legal provisions while ensuring that pending legal cases and human rights protections were respected.
The figures were presented during the ongoing Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly in response to questions raised by legislators regarding the state's action against illegal immigration.
Government Shares Deportation Data
Replying to a question from AIUDF MLA Badruddin Ajmal, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 1,679 individuals identified as illegal immigrants were repatriated between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026.
The chief minister did not disclose district-wise or operation-specific details but reiterated that the state government has been implementing legal measures to address illegal immigration from neighbouring Bangladesh.
193 Declared Foreigners Sent Back Under 1950 Law
The government also revealed that 193 individuals declared as foreigners by Assam's Foreigners Tribunals were sent back to Bangladesh over the last two years under provisions of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.
Of these, 67 declared foreigners were repatriated during the latest phase of the government's enforcement efforts.
The disclosure marks one of the first official updates by the Assam government on the number of individuals repatriated under the revived provisions of the 1950 legislation.
Human Rights and Legal Safeguards
Chief Minister Sarma stated that the state government ensured that human rights were protected during the repatriation process.
He clarified that individuals whose appeals or legal proceedings remain pending before courts have not been repatriated, indicating that enforcement actions are being carried out only after completion of the legal process.
Assam Reports Over 91,000 D-Voters
Responding to a separate question from Congress MLA Nurul Islam, the Chief Minister also shared updated figures on D-Voters (Doubtful Voters) in Assam.
According to the government:
Assam currently has 91,385 D-Voters listed in its electoral rolls.
Sonitpur district has the highest number with 13,719 D-Voters.
Barpeta district follows with 8,081 D-Voters.
56,728 D-Voters have been declared foreigners by Foreigners Tribunals.
831 individuals who challenged those decisions were later confirmed as illegal foreigners by higher courts.
Bangladesh Raises Concerns Over Pushback Policy
India's recent use of the "pushback" mechanism has drawn objections from Bangladesh, which has expressed concerns over the practice. The Assam government, however, maintains that all actions are being taken within the framework of Indian law and after following due legal procedures.
The latest data highlights Assam's continued efforts to address illegal immigration while balancing legal safeguards and judicial oversight.
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