Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed the Assembly that over 1,600 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh have been repatriated from the state over the past two years, a claim that drew strong criticism from opposition leader Akhil Gogoi, who questioned the legal validity of the exercise.
Replying to a query raised by AIUDF MLA Badruddin Ajmal, the Chief Minister said a total of 1,679 illegal immigrants were sent back to Bangladesh between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, following identification under existing legal provisions. Sarma, who also holds the Home and Political Department portfolio, tabled the figures in the House and said the repatriation was carried out through mechanisms such as deportation, expulsion and return.
“A total of 1,679 illegal immigrants have been repatriated from Assam to Bangladesh in the last two years,” he said.
Reacting sharply, Raijor Dal chief and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged that the state government’s “pushback strategy” lacks any legal foundation and is being used to turn a “non-issue into a political issue.” Addressing media, Gogoi claimed that the issue of illegal immigration cannot be resolved without formal engagement with Bangladesh.
“The issue can only be addressed through bilateral talks. Till date, the Assam government has neither held discussions with Bangladesh nor established any mechanism to push back illegal migrants,” he said, adding that the current approach has “no legal validity.”
While acknowledging that illegal immigration remains a concern in Assam, Gogoi argued that the government was attempting to keep the debate alive without institutional backing. He urged the Centre to initiate dialogue with Bangladesh and ensure that undocumented migrants are formally accepted back through an agreement.
Turning to another long-pending issue, Gogoi reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his 2016 election promise to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in Assam, including Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes. He said that despite the passage of nearly a decade, the promise remains unfulfilled.
Rejecting the government’s position that a committee is examining the matter, Gogoi pointed out that a Bill had already been introduced in 2019 and called for its immediate passage. “No further committee is required. The government should bring the Bill and fulfil its commitment,” he said.
The Raijor Dal leader also expressed concern over the health of education activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike, and urged the Centre to intervene to prevent any adverse situation.
In addition, Gogoi demanded that the Prime Minister hold discussions with stakeholders on education-related issues and called for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging repeated examination paper leaks. He also urged the government to take concrete steps to safeguard students’ futures.
Also read: Assam govt records 15.43 lakh active job seekers till June 2026
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