Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a strong warning on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, regarding the potential demographic consequences of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Sarma cautioned that if the population of individuals of Bangladeshi origin increases by another 10%, Assam could face "grave political and territorial consequences," even suggesting the state could effectively become part of Bangladesh.
Sarma, speaking to reporters in Chabua after an official program, stated that the issue of demographic change has been a major concern for him for the past five years. He claimed that people of Bangladeshi origin currently constitute approximately 40% of Assam's population and warned that any further increase could place the state in a highly vulnerable position. According to the Chief Minister, he has been consistently raising this issue for the last five years.
Sarma's remarks were made in response to questions about recent comments from a political leader in Bangladesh. Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh's newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), had reportedly stated that Dhaka should "isolate" India's northeastern states and support separatist elements in the region if India attempted to destabilize Bangladesh. Abdullah also described India's northeastern region as geographically "vulnerable" due to its dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the 'Chicken's Neck,' which connects the Northeast to the rest of the country.
Sarma reacted sharply to Abdullah's statements, reiterating that unchecked illegal immigration poses serious risks not only to Assam's demographic balance but also to national security, political stability, and the constitutional integrity of the Northeast. He stressed that demographic change driven by illegal infiltration has long-term implications and must be addressed with urgency.
The Chief Minister further emphasized the need for strict and sustained measures to protect Assam's territorial integrity and safeguard the rights and identity of indigenous communities. He affirmed the state government's commitment to working closely with the central government to ensure border security and prevent any threat to Assam's future. Sarma added that vigilance and decisive action are essential to ensure peace, stability, and unity in the region amidst evolving regional and geopolitical challenges.
In recent months, the Assam government has taken steps to address the issue of illegal immigration. Chief Minister Sarma stated that his government has pushed back nearly 300 illegal Bangladeshis to the neighboring country. He said the process to push them back will continue as per provisions of a 1950 law to identify and evict illegal foreigners. The Chief Minister also announced that 19 illegal immigrants were apprehended in the state and repatriated to Bangladesh. According to Sarma, the state government regularly pushes back 35-40 individuals each week.
These actions align with the Assam government's commitment to an infiltration-free Assam. In October, the Assam cabinet approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, to guide district officials and senior police officers in expelling illegal immigrants and managing unchecked cross-border influx. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also intensified surveillance along Assam's border with Bangladesh.
Assam's population is projected to be 36.49 million as of July 1, 2025. Hindus make up 61.47% of the state's population, while Muslims constitute approximately 34.22%. The Muslim population in Assam grew at a higher rate compared to the Hindu population between 2001 and 2011. Projections suggest a continued shift in the proportions of these religious groups in the coming decades.
