50-held-in-assam-over-citizenship-doubts-families-protest

At least 50 individuals have been detained over the weekend in Assam as authorities intensified a 'verification drive' aimed at identifying undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh. The operation, carried out across several districts, has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency, with families of some detainees claiming Indian citizenship.

 

According to police sources, those picked up as 'doubtful citizens' were taken into custody from Guwahati, Golaghat, Dhubri, Barpeta and Cachar. The detainees have been lodged at the Rupnagar Police Reserve, where their documents are under scrutiny.

 

Officials confirmed that the drive was initiated in accordance with a central directive to act against Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in the country. The operation is being conducted under the aegis of the Assam Police Border Organisation, which functions under the supervision of an officer of Inspector General rank.

 

However, the Assam Police has not released an official statement regarding the scale or criteria of the drive, prompting questions about procedural transparency.

 

Also read: Centre orders 30-day deadline to deport illegal infiltrators

 

Families of some of those held insist the detainees are Indian citizens. “They have proper documentation and have lived here for decades,” said a family member of one detainee in Barpeta.

 

On Saturday, nine Bangladeshi nationals declared as foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunals were arrested in Morigaon district. Officials stated that these individuals had been evading arrest despite being declared as such.

 

"The declared foreigners will be sent to the detention centre, now called a transit camp, in Goalpara after verification of their documents. The process is on," an official mentioned.

 

Assam’s latest crackdown comes amidst a renewed push from the Centre to streamline the identification and removal of undocumented migrants, but human rights groups and opposition parties have repeatedly criticised such drives for being opaque and potentially unjust.

 

With no formal communication from the police, uncertainty looms over the process, leaving families anxious and civil society raising alarm.