Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continuing the pushback of illegal immigrants to Bangladesh under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.
Announcing a renewed crackdown on illegal infiltration, Sarma revealed that 330 individuals identified as illegal immigrants have already been pushed back. “The pushback was carried out under the provisions of the Immigrants Expulsion from Assam Act, 1950, and is part of our intensified efforts following the Supreme Court’s 2024 verdict on Section 6A of the Citizenship Act,” the CM said during a special day-long Assembly session.
He added that the Supreme Court had upheld the validity of the 1950 Act, confirming that district commissioners have the authority to evict individuals suspected of being foreigners. “This verdict marks a major shift in both the legal and administrative approach to tackling illegal immigration in Assam,” Sarma stated.
Addressing concerns about legal challenges, the CM acknowledged that some individuals were pushed back even though their cases were pending in the High Court. However, he clarified, “Through formal and informal diplomatic efforts, we have ensured their return in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives. None of the 330 individuals have managed to re-enter the state.”
The CM also took a sharp swipe at the Congress party, alleging that it does not value the concept of ‘citizenship’. He claimed that among the four family members of one of its leaders, three are foreigners.
The remark appeared to be a direct jibe at Congress’ Assam unit president Gaurav Gogoi, who was seated in the visitors’ gallery of the Assembly, directly in front of the treasury bench. Sarma has previously targeted Gogoi over alleged links to Pakistan through his British wife, a claim the opposition has strongly denied. Sarma emphasized that the government remains firm in its stance and will continue its action against illegal immigration in the days ahead.
