Syllabus: GS-III & V: Internal Security

Why in the News?

Illegal immigration remains a sensitive issue in Assam due to its porous border with Bangladesh. Recent developments empowering pushbacks under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950 have reignited the debate, highlighting its impact on identity, unity, economy, and democracy.

Current Status of Illegal Immigration in Assam: A Timeline

• 2019 – NRC Update: About 19 lakh individuals excluded from the NRC as potential non-citizens.

• 2020–2023 – Tribunal Cases: Over 27,000 declared illegal migrants, but deportation limited as Bangladesh refused acceptance.

• Mid-2024 – Official Figures: Assam govt. detected 47,000 illegal immigrants.

• 2025 – Expulsion Provisions: New SOPs empower district commissioners to expel suspected foreigners within 10 days.

• Recent Pushbacks: About 330 deported in 2025, adding to ~30,000 earlier removals.

Reasons for Illegal Immigration into Assam

• Porous Borders: 262 km border with Bangladesh, mostly riverine, hard to fence.

• Economic Push-Pull: Poverty & floods in Bangladesh → migrants seek work in Assam’s informal sector.

• Historical Migration: Colonial-era policies, 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War → permanent settlement.

• Political Factors: Allegations of tolerating migration for vote-bank politics.

• Documentation Gaps: Weak rural records, forged IDs, Aadhaar misuse.

Impact of Illegal Immigration in Assam

Unity, Identity & Social Cohesion

• Demographic shifts → threat to Assamese & tribal culture.

• Example: Tripura tribals reduced from 52% (1901) to 31.8% (2011).

• Ethnic tensions: e.g., 1983 Nellie massacre.

Democracy & Representation

• Inclusion in voter rolls distorts elections.

• Over 1.25 lakh cases pending in Foreigners’ Tribunals (2023).

Economic Impact

• Strain on public services.

• Competition in low-wage jobs (brick kilns, tea gardens).

• Land encroachment & ecological damage.

Security Issues

• Risk of infiltration by criminals/traffickers.

• Law and order stress in sensitive districts.

Challenges in Tackling Illegal Immigration

• Proving citizenship amid poor records.

• Slow Tribunal processes → lakhs of pending cases.

• Deportation hurdles (Bangladesh denial).

• Political opposition & rights-based criticism.

• Humanitarian concerns under international law.

• Difficult border geography (floods, forests).

Steps Taken by State Government

• NRC: Identified ~19 lakh potential non-citizens.

• Tribunals: Declared 27,000+ foreigners.

• Expulsion Act SOPs: Pushback within 10 days.

• Eviction Drives: Cleared thousands of bighas of land.

• Freeze on Aadhaar enrolments (2025): Prevent misuse.

• Border Management: Drones, fencing, biometric surveillance.

Steps Taken by Centre/Supreme Court

• SC upheld Section 6A (2024): Cut-off year 1971 for Assam citizenship.

• CAA (2019): Pathway for persecuted minorities (controversial).

• Tribunals & Judicial Review: Safeguards for fairness.

• Technology Tools: Linking IDs, biometric databases, fencing.

District-wise Details (Highlights)

• Nagaon: 20,261 declared foreigners since 1985.

• Morigaon: 15,633 declared.

• Hojai: ~33% NRC exclusions.

• Barpeta: 4,649 declared.

• Goalpara: 4,203 declared; 1,080 families evicted from Paikan Reserve Forest.

• Dhubri: 8.26% NRC exclusions; 4,215 declared.

• Karimganj: 7.67% NRC exclusions.

Way Forward

• Complete fencing, river patrols, drone use.

• Stronger repatriation pacts with Bangladesh.

• Clear national refugee vs. migrant law.

• Expand tribunal capacity & fast-track courts.

• Universal birth & land registration in Assam.

• Skill-building for Assamese youth.

• Community vigilance against trafficking & fake IDs.

• Political consensus beyond vote-bank politics.

Conclusion

Illegal immigration in Assam is not only a border issue but a challenge to unity, democracy, security, and development. Demographic shifts, electoral distortions, and economic strains make it urgent. A mix of strong enforcement, fair legal safeguards, cooperative diplomacy, and inclusive development is essential to protect Assam’s cultural identity and India’s national security.

APSC Mains Question

“Illegal immigration has emerged as one of the most serious internal security and demographic challenges in India, particularly in Assam and other Northeastern states.” Analyze the statement.
(150 Words / 10 Marks)