Guwahati, April 26: Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 25 said that 20 alleged illegal Bangladeshi nationals were pushed back across the border overnight, asserting that such operations would continue on a sustained basis.
In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister used a Hindi proverb to underline the government’s approach towards individuals who do not leave voluntarily, stating that the state would persist with its actions against illegal infiltration.
According to Sarma, security forces have been carrying out daily pushback operations along the Assam border, involving an estimated 20 to 30 individuals. He noted that large-scale deportation through formal legal mechanisms is not always feasible, prompting the state to adopt alternative measures.
The Chief Minister described the broader strategy as one of “civil disobedience and non-cooperation,” drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, with the aim of creating conditions that discourage illegal migrants from remaining in the state rather than relying solely on enforcement action.
Sarma also emphasised the need to clearly distinguish between illegal migrants and indigenous Muslim communities in Assam, cautioning against any harassment of the latter while reiterating that illegal migrants should not be sheltered under that identity.
Officials indicated that the operations are part of ongoing efforts to address concerns related to undocumented migration, with further action expected in the coming days.
