Guwahati: A high-level delegation from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), eleven members strong, met with Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday, May 28, to voice grave concerns regarding the treatment of individuals recently apprehended as suspected foreigners along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The party alleged that these detentions were arbitrary and a clear violation of established legal procedures.
Speaking before the crucial meeting, Aminul Islam, the AIUDF MLA from Mankachar, asserted that several individuals possessing valid documents had been wrongfully detained. “Despite having legitimate documents, people are being arrested on mere suspicion. This is not just unlawful—it’s inhumane. The government is bypassing due legal process,” Islam stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He further pointed out that many of the detainees had pending legal cases, rendering their arrests unjustified under current laws. Islam emphasised, “If the government believes any of them are Bangladeshi nationals, the correct approach would be to engage in diplomatic dialogue with Bangladesh for verification and lawful repatriation.”
The MLA also took a dig at the ruling BJP, alleging that the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration was being politicised to divert public attention from other pressing controversies. “This is nothing but a diversion tactic. The government wants to sideline debates around controversial figures such as Shankar Jyoti Baruah and Shrinkhal Chaliha,” he claimed.
Rafiqul Islam, another AIUDF legislator who was part of the delegation, clarified the party’s stance on illegal immigration. “AIUDF does not support illegal migrants. If anyone entered India post-1971, we stand by their deportation. But action must be driven by proof, not political motives,” he asserted. He also distanced the party from Shrinkhal Chaliha, whose name has recently come up in public discourse, stating that the AIUDF has no association with him.
The AIUDF delegation earnestly urged the Governor to ensure the protection of human rights and strict adherence to legal protocols in all cases involving suspected foreigners. “We have full faith in the Constitution. Our plea is simple: let justice prevail, and let no citizen suffer needlessly,” the delegation added in its memorandum submitted to the Governor.
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