Declared Foreigners Must Exit Assam if No Legal Appeal Filed: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, [Current Date]: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday reiterated the state government’s stance on illegal immigrants, stating that individuals declared as foreigners by tribunals must leave Assam if they do not challenge the order in higher courts.
Addressing a press conference, Sarma said, “If someone is declared a foreign national and does not appeal in the High Court, their right to stay in Assam is forfeited. We respect judicial processes—those with stay orders are not disturbed.”
Key Points from CM’s Statement:
- 30,000 Declared Foreigners Missing: The government is tracking individuals who vanished after being declared foreigners.
- No Harassment of Those Appealing: People contesting their status in High Court or Supreme Court will not face action.
- India-Bangladesh Coordination: Talks are ongoing for the deportation of confirmed foreign nationals.
Legal Challenges Against Push-Back Policy
A writ petition filed in the Supreme Court by the All BTC Minority Students Association alleges that Assam is arbitrarily pushing genuine citizens to the Bangladesh border without due process. The plea seeks urgent listing before CJI BR Gavai’s bench.
In February, the Supreme Court directed Assam to begin deporting 63 confirmed Bangladeshi nationals, stressing that no deportation can occur without exhausting legal remedies.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition parties have accused the Assam government of polarizing communities through stringent deportation policies. However, Sarma maintains that the state is acting as per Supreme Court directives.
What’s Next?
- The Assam government continues its identification and deportation drive.
- The Supreme Court’s decision on the pending petition will shape future actions.
