Guwahati, Jan 1: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday indicated a tougher approach towards the deportation of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, stating that the era of a “soft line” on expulsion is over.
Sarma stated while addressing a press meet on the first day of the New Year at the state guest house in Kainadhara Guwahati.
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding Assam’s identity alongside development, the Chief Minister said identity cannot be separated from governance priorities.
“Identity is very valuable. We do not see development in isolation. If the state cannot protect its identity, then mere development—development for whom?” he asked.
The Chief Minister said the state government’s model focuses on both identity and development, adding that policies are being shaped accordingly.
Referring to recent statements by the Union Home Minister, he said the Centre and the state are on the same page regarding the eviction of illegal immigrants.
“What the Home Minister has said earlier and what I am saying today are in the same line. The soft line towards expulsion of Bangladeshis from India is now not available,” he said.
He explained that earlier, deportation involved lengthy diplomatic procedures, including verification by Bangladesh through the Ministry of External Affairs. However, he said the policy has now changed.
“Now, once an order is issued declaring someone a foreigner, they will be evicted from Indian soil. We will not wait for formal responses,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that this change has been enabled following a recent constitutional verdict of the Supreme Court, which upheld the right of states to evict illegal foreigners.
According to him, many deportation requests had remained pending in the past due to non-response from Bangladesh.
“Now we have decided we will not wait. This policy change is taking shape, and people will see more such actions in the next five years,” he added.
CM condemns killing of Northeast student in Uttarakhand
Reacting to the killing of Northeast student Anjel Chakma in Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister termed the incident “sad and unfortunate” and said such acts cannot be tolerated.
“The state government has already condemned the incident and conveyed condolences. I believe the culprits will be booked and punished,” he said.
Stressing that people from the Northeast are equal citizens of India, the Chief Minister said awareness and education are necessary to prevent such incidents.
“The North Eastern region is not outside India; it is a part of India. Such incidents were not seen in the last five years, and this is a very unfortunate one. We hope such incidents will not be repeated,” he added.
