Amid renewed concerns over illegal immigration in Assam, particularly of Bangladeshi Muslims from Bangladesh, the state government has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at detecting and deporting illegal immigrants. This comes in the wake of rising incidents of attempted infiltration following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh.
On September 7, 2024, the government of Assam, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, issued an office memorandum outlining the steps that will be taken to address the issue.
We are intensifying efforts to remove illegal immigrants from Assam. The State Government is initiating a series of coordinated actions that include enhanced surveillance, closer coordination with central agencies, additional deployment of force, among others… Writes CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Increase in Detection of Illegal Immigrants
Since January 2024, 54 illegal immigrants have been detected in Assam, with 48 of these cases occurring in Karimganj district, four in Bongaigaon, and one each in Dhubri and Haflong GRP. Of these, 45 individuals were deported to their country of origin, while nine were arrested in Karimganj. The government has also noted an increase in reports of suspected non-Indian nationals in Upper and North Assam, raising concerns over potential threats to national security.
The detection and prevention of illegal immigration through Assam’s international borders is a priority for the Assam Police Border Organisation. Recently, there has been a significant rise in the number of illegal immigrants detected, which demands an intensification of efforts across the state. Effective border management is essential to maintain national security, as Assam is a sensitive region with porous borders, especially with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh.
Recent Developments
From January 2024 to date, 54 illegal immigrants have been identified in Assam. Out of these, 48 were found in Karimganj district, 4 in Bongaigaon, and one in Haflong GRP and Dhubri. Of these, 45 individuals were deported, while nine were arrested in Karimganj. Moreover, there are increasing reports of suspected non-Indian nationals in Upper Assam and North Assam districts, posing potential security threats. This scenario calls for an urgent escalation of measures to monitor and manage the borders effectively.
Strengthening Border Surveillance
Enhancing surveillance along the borders is a key measure to counter the illegal movement. The Assam Border Police must increase patrolling and monitoring areas under their jurisdiction. This includes utilising advanced surveillance technologies, establishing more Border Outposts, and ensuring a constant presence of security personnel to prevent unauthorised entries.
Enhanced Coordination with Central Agencies
Another critical step is improving coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other central agencies. These agencies can offer additional resources and intelligence support, making border security more robust. Regular meetings between the DGP of Assam and the DG of the BSF should be held to streamline joint operations and facilitate effective information sharing.
Intelligence Gathering and Analysis
To detect infiltration attempts early, the Assam Border Police should prioritise intelligence gathering. Deploying trained personnel to gather actionable intelligence from high-risk areas will help in identifying illegal immigrant networks and cross-border infiltration routes. Timely intervention based on solid intelligence can significantly reduce the number of illegal entries.
Community Engagement
Community involvement is crucial in border security efforts. Local residents in border areas should be educated through awareness programs about the potential threats posed by illegal immigrants. They should also be encouraged to report any suspicious activities or new settlers to the authorities, which can aid in early detection and preventive action.
Legal Action and Adjudication
Once illegal immigrants are identified, the Assam Border Police must ensure their cases are processed without delay. This involves preparing proper documentation and forwarding the cases to foreign tribunals for timely adjudication. Legal procedures must be followed meticulously to repatriate individuals found to have entered the state illegally.
Deployment of Additional Forces
In the border districts, the Assam Police Headquarters (APHQ) is advised to deploy additional forces based on ground-level assessments to assist the Border Police. These districts are particularly vulnerable to illegal influx, requiring heightened security measures. Superintendents of Police (SPs) in these areas are instructed to regularly review the current strength and operations of the police stations and request additional support from the APHQ as needed. This ensures that any gaps in manpower or resources can be addressed swiftly.
Strengthen Border Outposts
Intensified checks must be conducted in areas under their jurisdiction to strengthen border outposts. Officers are tasked with identifying suspicious individuals who may lack valid identification or documentation. Regular verification of records is necessary to prevent illegal immigrants from evading detection. This step is crucial for maintaining border security and ensuring law enforcement stays ahead of potential threats.
Enumeration of Suspected Illegal Immigrants:
Village Defense Parties (VDPs), Gaon Panchayat members, and land revenue staff are to be activated to gather information about new and unknown individuals in the border villages. Upon receiving such information, an enumerating suspected illegal immigrants must be carried out, especially focusing on those involved in specific vocations. The process will be carried out in consultation with the Assam Police Headquarters, District Administration, and District Police to ensure coordination and accuracy.
Identification of Absconding Individuals declared as foreigners:
Efforts should be sustained to locate and apprehend individuals who have absconded after being declared foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunals or Illegal Migrants Determination Tribunals. These individuals are evading police capture and pose a risk to law enforcement efforts. Special teams should be organised to track down and bring these individuals to justice, ensuring that they are no longer a threat to border security.
Capturing Biometrics and Aadhaar Numbers of Suspected Individuals:
Biometrics of suspected individuals or families must be captured upon identification. The numbers should be recorded for future reference if such individuals possess Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, voter IDs, or passports. This documentation will help maintain a thorough database, making it easier for authorities to monitor suspected illegal immigrants and ensure they do not evade detection or attempt fraudulent citizenship claims.
Continued enforcement of provisions of the relevant provisions of Citizenship Amendment Act:
All border police personnel must strictly enforce the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act, as directed by the State Government in their notification dated July 5, 2024. The Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), Assam, will issue detailed instructions to district police units, ensuring they provide logistical support and security for the assigned teams. The Assam Police Border Organisation must prioritise these tasks and submit monthly progress reports on their efforts to combat illegal immigration.
Concerns over Aadhaar Card issuance
Chief Minister Sarma raised concerns about issuing Aadhaar cards to more people than the population in certain areas, particularly Dhubri district. He stated that some suspected illegal immigrants may have obtained Aadhaar cards, which has become a critical issue in detecting and tracking illegal residents.
To address this, the Assam government will implement stricter guidelines regarding issuing Aadhaar cards. Starting October 1, 2024, adults in districts other than tea garden areas will face a more rigorous process. A new notification will also be issued within the next 10 days, stating that individuals who do not apply for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be eligible to receive Aadhaar cards.
The Assam government has taken a proactive approach in dealing with illegal immigration, as it sees the issue as a potential threat to both national security and the socio-economic fabric of the state. With the intensified focus on border surveillance, improved coordination with central agencies, and a community-based detection system, Assam is positioning itself to tackle this issue head-on. However, the new measures will likely stir further debate, as Assam has long been a hotspot for discussions on migration and identity.
The government’s commitment to preventing illegal immigration and deporting detected individuals reflects a continued effort to uphold the state’s interests while addressing larger national security concerns.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday a new set of measures to intensify the detection and prevention of illegal immigration through the state’s international borders. Sarma expressed concerns over Aadhaar card issuance, noting that more Aadhaar cards have been issued than the population in Dhubri district, raising the possibility that some suspected individuals received Aadhaar cards.
Sarma, highlighting concerns regarding Aadhaar card issuance, said, “Aadhaar cards have been issued to more people than the population in Dhubri district. It is possible that some suspected individuals received Aadhaar cards. Therefore, the Assam Government will issue a notification in the next 10 days stating that if one does not apply for NRC, they will not receive an Aadhaar card in the new process. This notification will not apply to tea garden areas. From October 1, adults in other districts will need to undergo a stricter process.”
The Assam government’s renewed focus on detecting and deporting illegal immigrants marks a significant escalation in its efforts to safeguard national security and the socio-economic stability of the state. With enhanced surveillance, stricter enforcement of immigration laws, and closer coordination with central agencies, the state aims to curtail the rising influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh. Additionally, concerns over the misuse of Aadhaar cards have prompted the introduction of stricter guidelines, further tightening identification processes. While these measures reflect a proactive stance, they are likely to stir debate in Assam, a state that has long grappled with sensitive issues of migration and identity.
