Assam Deports Illegal Bangladeshi Nationals: What You Need to Know
By Northeast Press Desk | Guwahati | july 6, 2025
In a significant development in Assam’s ongoing effort to curb illegal immigration, 18 Bangladeshi nationals residing in the state without valid documentation were deported on Saturday, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The deportation took place during the early hours from Cachar and Sribhumi districts, both located in southern Assam.
The repatriation comes as part of the state government’s ongoing campaign to identify and remove undocumented foreign nationals, particularly from neighboring Bangladesh. CM Sarma took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share the update with the public.
“Oh look who’s going back to their home? In Assam, we welcome guests with open arms, but those trying to illegally prolong their stay are treated with the special gesture of PUSHBACK,”
the Chief Minister wrote.
“18 illegal Bangladeshis pushed back today in wee hours from Cachar and Sribhumi,” he added.
State-Wide Crackdown Intensifies
This deportation effort is part of a larger, state-wide crackdown led by the Assam Police and coordinated with the Home Department, aiming to detect, detain, and deport individuals staying in India without valid travel or residence permits.
Over the past month alone, the Assam government has deported nearly 330 individuals, most of them Bangladeshi nationals who either entered India through porous border routes or overstayed after their visas expired.
The state has been tightening surveillance along international border regions, transit points, and vulnerable settlements where illegal migration is suspected to be high. Officials are also scrutinizing employment records, rented housing, and voter registration databases to weed out undocumented residents.
A Clear Message on Illegal Immigration
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Chief Minister Sarma reiterated the government’s firm stance on the issue.
“Assam cannot afford to bear the demographic and socio-economic pressure created by unchecked illegal immigration. Our message is clear: enter legally or face deportation,”
he stated.
He also assured that the deportation process is being carried out in compliance with international norms, in coordination with the Bangladeshi authorities, and under the observation of law enforcement agencies to prevent human rights violations.
Political and Social Reactions
The move has been welcomed by several sections of Assamese society, especially in border districts like Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Cachar, where concerns over illegal immigration have persisted for decades. Local political parties, including regional outfits and civil society groups, have long demanded more assertive action from the state to protect native identities, land rights, and job opportunities.
However, some human rights groups have urged the state to ensure transparency and humane treatment during such operations, stressing that every individual has the right to a fair hearing before repatriation.
Assam’s Long-standing Immigration Challenge
Assam has been one of the states most affected by cross-border migration from Bangladesh, especially since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The issue has shaped the state’s political discourse for decades and was central to the formation of the Assam Accord in 1985. The recent update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and ongoing verification drives are also tied to efforts aimed at identifying genuine citizens.
With Assam being a frontline state sharing borders with Bangladesh, the issue of illegal immigration continues to be a top priority for the government.
Conclusion:
The deportation of 18 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals from Cachar and Sribhumi underscores the Assam government’s renewed focus on enforcing immigration laws strictly and safeguarding local interests. With hundreds already repatriated in recent weeks and further operations planned, the state administration is expected to maintain its zero-tolerance approach toward illegal residency.
As surveillance tightens and coordination with central and foreign authorities improves, Assam continues to position itself as a state committed to lawful governance and national security, while balancing humanitarian considerations.
