Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, that 37 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, including women and children, were sent back to Bangladesh. This action signals a strict stance against infiltration into the state.
Taking to X, CM Sarma stated, "Good bye infiltrators; your time's up in Assam! 37 uninvited guests have been PUSHED BACK to their own homeland in Bangladesh from the Sribhumi sector. Just letting you all in advance – All unwanted guests will be treated with the same gesture". He also shared blurred photos of the deported individuals on the social media platform.
The Assam government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration, with CM Sarma frequently warning about the looming threat of changing demographics in Assam. He has accused previous Congress governments of providing shelter to Bangladeshi infiltrators, who he claims have been occupying the land of indigenous people.
The Assam Cabinet had previously approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Immigrants Act of 1950, empowering officials to expedite the deportation process. CM Sarma has asserted that even if some infiltrators manage to obtain Aadhaar cards, they cannot enroll themselves in the voter list. He stated that security forces have been actively catching and pushing back individuals who illegally enter Indian territory, often within a few hours of their arrest.
CM Sarma has indicated that the state government is taking additional measures to ensure vigilance, acknowledging that some infiltrators may evade capture. He has attributed the increasing attempts to cross into Assam to increased poverty and political instability in Bangladesh. He also claimed that most of the people who are trying to cross the border and enter India illegally are from the Muslim community and are seeking jobs.
The Chief Minister has emphasized the state government's commitment to safeguarding Assam's demographic integrity and ensuring strict enforcement of the law against illegal immigrants. He has stated that the government is actively pushing back both new entrants and those already residing in Assam after 1971.
In August 2025, the Assam government's "pushback" policy led to the deportation of 33 alleged infiltrators to Bangladesh. CM Sarma has declared that Assam cannot and will not become a safe haven for infiltrators.
