Assam CM says 12 illegal migrants from Bangladesh pushed back

Assam has pushed back 12 people believed to be illegal migrants from Bangladesh. This action is part of the state's 'Mission Clean Up' to find and remove people living in Assam without permission.
By Newsroom | Immigration, India |

State Officials Assert 'Mission Clean Up' Continues Amidst Ambiguity

GUWAHATI – The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced the "push back" of 12 individuals identified as illegal migrants from Bangladesh. The assertion, made via social media on a recent Thursday night, places the action under the banner of a state-led initiative dubbed 'Mission Clean Up'. The stated intent is to identify and expel those residing in Assam without authorization, signaling a continued enforcement posture by the state government.

12 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh 'pushed back': Assam CM - 1

The specifics of the operation, however, remain conspicuously absent. No precise location of apprehension nor the border sector through which these individuals were returned to Bangladesh has been disclosed by the Chief Minister's office. This lack of detail is consistent with previous announcements regarding similar actions. The Assam government has, in multiple instances, publicized the expulsion of individuals, often framing it as a decisive response to 'illegal immigration'.

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12 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh 'pushed back': Assam CM - 2

The Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, provides a framework for such actions, and the state cabinet has reportedly approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide these processes. This SOP is intended to equip district officials with clear directives for the identification and expulsion of individuals deemed to be illegal migrants.

12 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh 'pushed back': Assam CM - 3

Background Echoes and Procedural Questions

The declaration by Chief Minister Sarma is not an isolated event. Previous statements from the Chief Minister's office have detailed similar "push backs" of Bangladeshi nationals. These operations, often announced in the early hours of the morning, suggest a pattern of swift enforcement. For instance, reports indicate other instances involving figures such as 21, 22, and 16 individuals being "pushed back" on different occasions.

12 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh 'pushed back': Assam CM - 4

The political discourse surrounding these events frequently emphasizes Assam's commitment to protecting its borders and resources. The Chief Minister has repeatedly voiced a zero-tolerance stance against illegal settlement and encroachment. This persistent messaging underscores the state's strategic focus on immigration matters.

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The broader context involves a significant number of declared 'illegal foreigners' within Assam. Official figures suggest that out of a substantial number of declared illegal foreigners, only a fraction have been repatriated. The governor of Assam recently highlighted this disparity, indicating a complex challenge in processing and executing expulsions on a larger scale. The stated SOP aims to streamline this process, though the effectiveness and scale of its implementation remain subjects of ongoing observation.

The operations, as described, are part of a sustained drive against what the state government terms 'infiltration'. Districts along the Assam-Bangladesh border, including Cachar, Dhubri, and South Salmara-Mankachar, share a significant geographical boundary with Bangladesh, a factor often cited in discussions on illegal migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the Assam Chief Minister announce on Thursday night?
Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced that 12 people identified as illegal migrants from Bangladesh were 'pushed back'. This action is part of a state program called 'Mission Clean Up'.
Q: What is the goal of 'Mission Clean Up' in Assam?
The goal of 'Mission Clean Up' is to find and remove people who are living in Assam without legal permission. The state government wants to enforce its rules on who can stay in the state.
Q: Where exactly were the 12 people sent back from in Assam?
The Chief Minister's office did not share the exact location where the 12 people were found or the specific border crossing used to send them back to Bangladesh.
Q: Has Assam announced similar actions before?
Yes, the Assam government has announced similar actions before. The Chief Minister's office has previously stated that groups of people, like 21, 22, or 16 individuals, were also 'pushed back' to Bangladesh on different dates.
Q: What law allows Assam to send people back to Bangladesh?
The Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, provides the legal basis for these actions. The state cabinet has also approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to help officials identify and expel illegal migrants.
Q: Why is Assam focusing on illegal migration?
The Chief Minister has a strong stance against illegal settlement and people living in Assam without permission. The state government sees this as important for protecting its borders and resources.