GUWAHATI — India’s northeastern state of Assam has begun forcibly deporting people declared “foreigners” into Bangladesh, triggering widespread concern from human rights advocates and legal experts. Since May, 303 individuals have been expelled, part of a growing crackdown on undocumented residents following pressure from the Supreme Court to enforce longstanding tribunal decisions.
Most of those targeted are long-time residents — many born and raised in Assam — with deep family and economic roots in the state. Critics say the majority are Muslims, often too poor to contest tribunal rulings in higher courts, and accuse the government of arbitrarily enforcing nationality laws.
“There’s more panic on the ground now than ever before,” said Aman Wadud, a lawyer known for defending citizenship cases. “The government is throwing people out without due process.”
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirmed the pushbacks in a recent assembly session. “We have to be more proactive to save the state,” he said, vowing to intensify the operation.
But the human toll is harrowing. Khairul Islam, a 51-year-old former schoolteacher, said he was blindfolded, his hands tied, and forcibly taken across the border — despite having an appeal pending in court. Bangladeshi villagers called local authorities, who stranded him and 13 others in the no man’s land between the two nations.
Days later, Islam was returned to India following his wife’s plea to authorities. He remains uncertain about the fate of his fellow deportees.
India’s federal government has not commented on the operation, while Bangladeshi officials have acknowledged talks with New Delhi. Meanwhile, other Indian states are reportedly identifying more individuals for possible deportation.
Legal experts warn the situation echoes dark chapters of exclusion and displacement — with grave implications for justice, sovereignty, and the lives of thousands left in limbo.
