Assam CM Vows to Repatriate Illegal Immigrants to Bangladesh
Assam CM pledges to repatriate illegal immigrants to Bangladesh, raising border management and diplomatic questions.
Photo by Miko Guziuk
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that his government will push back illegal immigrants into Bangladesh, even if it means approaching the Foreign Commissioner. This assertive stance highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal immigration from Bangladesh into Assam, a sensitive issue with significant demographic and security implications. The CM emphasized that the state government has identified 'new foreigners' who entered after 1971 and will take steps to repatriate them.
This policy aims to address concerns about resource strain and cultural impact in Assam. The issue of illegal immigration has historically been a contentious point in India-Bangladesh relations and a major factor in Assam's political landscape, leading to movements like the Assam Agitation. The government's approach involves identifying individuals who have 'infiltrated' and ensuring their return, potentially through diplomatic channels.
Key Facts
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma stated intent to repatriate illegal immigrants to Bangladesh
Focus on 'new foreigners' who entered after 1971
Issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh into Assam
UPSC Exam Angles
International Relations: India-Bangladesh bilateral relations, border management, diplomatic channels for repatriation.
Polity & Governance: Citizenship laws (Citizenship Act 1955, NRC, CAA), constitutional provisions related to foreigners, federalism (state vs. central role), legal frameworks (Foreigners Act 1946).
History: Assam Agitation, Assam Accord, IMDT Act (repealed).
Social Issues: Demographic changes, cultural impact, resource strain, human rights aspects of repatriation.
Internal Security: Border infiltration, radicalization, law and order implications.
Visual Insights
Assam's Geopolitical Context: Illegal Immigration from Bangladesh
This map illustrates the geographical relationship between Assam and Bangladesh, highlighting the porous border and key regions involved in the illegal immigration issue. It shows the proximity and the shared border, which facilitates cross-border movement.
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Evolution of Illegal Immigration Issue in Assam: Key Milestones
This timeline traces the major historical and policy developments related to illegal immigration in Assam, from the Partition to the current CM's stance, providing crucial context for the ongoing challenge.
The issue of illegal immigration in Assam is deeply rooted in the geopolitical events of the 20th century, particularly the Partition of India and the Bangladesh Liberation War. This influx led to significant demographic shifts and socio-political unrest, culminating in the Assam Agitation and the subsequent Assam Accord. The legal and policy responses have evolved over decades, with recent developments like the NRC and CAA continuing to shape the discourse.
- 1947Partition of India; initial migration from East Pakistan to Assam
- 1971Bangladesh Liberation War; massive influx of refugees into Assam. March 25, 1971, set as cutoff date for citizenship in Assam.
- 1979Beginning of Assam Agitation by AASU and AAGSP against illegal immigrants.
- 1983Nellie Massacre during Assam Agitation, highlighting ethnic tensions.
- 1985Assam Accord signed, setting March 25, 1971, as the cutoff for identifying illegal immigrants.
- 2005Supreme Court strikes down the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983, as unconstitutional.
- 2015Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) with Bangladesh implemented, resolving border enclaves.
- 2019Final publication of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, excluding 1.9 million people. Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) enacted.
- 2025Continued diplomatic discussions between India and Bangladesh on border management and repatriation.
- 2026Assam CM vows to repatriate 'new foreigners' who entered after 1971.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the issue of illegal immigration in Assam: 1. The Assam Agitation (1979-1985) primarily demanded the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants who entered Assam after 1971. 2. The Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983, was enacted specifically for Assam to facilitate the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants, placing the onus of proving citizenship on the accused. 3. The Citizenship Act, 1955, as amended, defines an illegal immigrant as a foreigner who has entered India without valid documents or remains beyond the permitted period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Assam Agitation was a six-year-long movement demanding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants, with 1971 being a key cut-off year. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the IMDT Act, 1983, was enacted for Assam, it placed the onus of proving that a person was an illegal immigrant on the complainant (usually the state), making detection and deportation extremely difficult. This was a key point of contention and was eventually struck down by the Supreme Court in 2005. Statement 3 is correct. The Citizenship Act, 1955, defines an 'illegal migrant' as a foreigner who enters India without valid travel documents or stays beyond the permitted period.
2. In the context of India's legal framework for dealing with foreigners and refugees, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Foreigners Act, 1946, grants the Central Government extensive powers to regulate the entry, stay, and departure of foreigners in India, including their detention and deportation. 2. India is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which mandates the principle of non-refoulement for all individuals seeking asylum. 3. The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, primarily deals with the requirement of passports for entry into India and the penalties for non-compliance. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Foreigners Act, 1946, is the primary legislation empowering the Central Government to take measures to regulate the entry, presence, and departure of foreigners in India. Statement 2 is incorrect. India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. While India has a strong tradition of hospitality towards refugees, its policies are guided by domestic laws and ad-hoc executive decisions, not international conventions. Statement 3 is correct. The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, makes it mandatory for persons entering India to possess valid passports and prescribes penalties for violations.
3. Which of the following statements about the India-Bangladesh border and related issues is NOT correct?
- A.India shares its longest land border with Bangladesh, characterized by a diverse terrain including riverine, plain, and hilly segments.
- B.The Border Security Force (BSF) is the primary central armed police force responsible for guarding the India-Bangladesh border.
- C.The 'Teen Bigha Corridor' is a strip of Indian territory that was permanently leased to Bangladesh to connect its Dahagram–Angarpota enclaves with the Bangladeshi mainland.
- D.Border fencing along the India-Bangladesh border has been a key strategy to curb illegal immigration and cross-border crimes.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement A is correct. India shares a 4,096 km long border with Bangladesh, which is indeed its longest land border and features varied terrain. Statement B is correct. The BSF is mandated to guard the India-Bangladesh border. Statement C is NOT correct. The Teen Bigha Corridor was not permanently leased. Following the 2011 agreement and subsequent ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) in 2015, India granted Bangladesh perpetual lease of the corridor, allowing 24/7 access. However, the enclaves themselves (Dahagram–Angarpota) were exchanged as part of the LBA, meaning they are now sovereign Bangladeshi territory, and the corridor facilitates access to them from the Bangladeshi mainland, not connecting them within Indian territory. Statement D is correct. Border fencing, along with floodlighting and patrolling, is a major component of India's border management strategy to prevent illegal infiltration and smuggling.
4. Consider the following statements regarding the constitutional and legal provisions related to citizenship and immigration in India: 1. The determination of citizenship in India falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Union List (List I) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. 2. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India to all persons, including illegal immigrants. 3. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, when implemented, aims to identify Indian citizens and distinguish them from illegal immigrants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. 'Citizenship, naturalisation and aliens' is Entry 17 in the Union List (List I) of the Seventh Schedule, granting the Union Parliament exclusive power to legislate on these matters. Statement 2 is incorrect. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights like freedom of movement and residence 'to all citizens'. These rights are not available to non-citizens, including illegal immigrants. While Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) is available to 'all persons', Article 19 is specifically for 'citizens'. Statement 3 is correct. The stated objective of the NRC process is to create a definitive register of Indian citizens, thereby identifying and separating them from non-citizens, including illegal immigrants.