Guwahati: In a decisive move against illegal immigration, the Assam government on Sunday deported 36 Bangladeshi nationals from the Sribhumi and South Salmara districts, a development announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Taking to social media, Sarma stated that the individuals were “pushed back to where they belong,” stressing that such infiltrators “change our demography and infringe upon the rights of the indigenous.” The action comes amidst a heated debate over the state’s policy on illegal residents, ignited by contentious remarks from activist Syeda Saiyidain Hameed.
Hameed, a former member of the Planning Commission, drew sharp criticism during her recent visit to Assam by questioning the state’s eviction drives and asking, “What is wrong if they are Bangladeshis? Bangladeshis are also humans. Earth is so large; Bangladeshis can live here.” Her comments, seen as a direct challenge to the government’s stance, were met with a swift rebuke from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. The minister, in a strong social media post, accused Hameed of being “misleading in the name of humanity” and undermining India’s sovereignty. Rijiju also raised the issue of persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries, asking why Hameed would “support illegal migrants” despite her alleged ties to senior Congress leaders.
Hameed, who visited Assam with a delegation including lawyer Prashant Bhushan and activist Harsh Mander, has been vocal in her criticism of the state’s administration. She termed the eviction of people as “quamat (apocalypse) for Muslims” and alleged that the Assam government was targeting the community by branding them as Bangladeshis.
Meanwhile, Prashant Bhushan echoed her sentiments, accusing the Sarma-led government of “unlawful and illegal activities,” including the “pushing out of Indian citizens to Bangladesh.” The state government, however, remains firm on its stance, asserting that the deportations are necessary to protect the rights and demographic balance of Assam’s indigenous population. The incident underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding immigration, citizenship, and identity in the region.
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