Assam Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin has sounded a strong alarm about rising illegal immigration in Assam as of July 28, 2025. He warns that unchecked infiltration is threatening the rights of tribal groups and the cultural identity of the indigenous Assamese people. His statements come at a time when government action and public debate about illegal immigration in Assam have reached new heights.
Numal Momin’s concerns focus on what he describes as a “scientific and tactical” process of infiltration, mainly from Bangladesh, that is changing the region’s population makeup. He points out that 15 districts in Assam have now become Muslim-majority, a dramatic shift from the time of India’s independence, when no district in Assam had such a majority. Momin calls this a direct threat to the survival of Assamese culture and heritage, saying, “This is not just a demographic issue, but a security threat.” Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma supports these views and has promised strong action to address the problem.
Government Response and Recent Actions
The Indian government has responded to these concerns with new policies and enforcement measures. In May 2025, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered all states and Union Territories to verify suspected illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar within 30 days. Those who cannot prove their legal status face deportation. The directive also calls for the creation of district-level detention centers and special task forces to speed up the process. Rajasthan and Gujarat have already deported hundreds of suspected illegal immigrants under this policy.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called illegal immigration a national security threat, a view supported by the Supreme Court of India. The court has stressed the need for strong action to protect the country’s borders and internal security.
In Assam, the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Sarma has stepped up deportations. In May 2025, Sarma confirmed that 330 alleged illegal immigrants were “pushed back” to Bangladesh without hearings in Foreigners Tribunals, a legal process that was previously required. He announced that future expulsions would also bypass these tribunals, marking a major shift in how Assam handles suspected illegal immigrants.
Background: Assam’s Long Struggle with Illegal Immigration
Assam’s concerns about illegal immigration are not new. The state has a long history of tension over this issue, dating back to the Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985. This mass protest aimed to protect the rights and identity of indigenous Assamese people by demanding action against illegal immigration, mostly from Bangladesh. The Assam Accord of 1985 was supposed to resolve the problem, but many in Assam feel it failed. Critics say the Accord legalized many illegal immigrants and betrayed those who fought and died during the movement.
Since 1971, Assam has seen large numbers of people crossing the border from Bangladesh. Many are driven by political unrest, poverty, and lack of land in Bangladesh. This steady flow has led to social, economic, and political tensions in Assam. Indigenous communities worry about losing their land, language, and political power. They fear being pushed to the margins in their own state.
The National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Foreigners Tribunals
To address these concerns, the government completed the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam in 2019. The NRC is a list of people who can prove their Indian citizenship. Over 1.9 million people were left off the list. These individuals must now prove their citizenship in Foreigners Tribunals, special courts set up to decide such cases. However, the process has been widely criticized. Many people do not receive proper legal help or timely notice of their hearings. Human rights groups say the system is flawed and unfair, especially for poor and uneducated people.
Policy Implications and Effects on Communities
The new MHA directive in 2025 means that Assam must quickly verify and deport illegal immigrants. This has led to more detentions, pushbacks, and the building of detention centers. These actions have raised serious human rights concerns. Human Rights Watch and other organizations warn that forced expulsions without fair hearings violate international standards and could cause humanitarian crises, especially for vulnerable groups like Muslims and Rohingya refugees.
For Assam’s indigenous and tribal communities, the stakes are high. Leaders like Numal Momin argue that illegal immigration threatens their political and cultural survival. They say that if the current trends continue, Assamese people could lose control over their land, language, and government. Resources like jobs, education, and healthcare are already stretched thin, and further population growth could make things worse.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
The government’s new approach—deporting people without tribunal hearings—has sparked criticism from human rights advocates. They argue that everyone deserves a fair chance to prove their citizenship. Skipping legal processes can lead to mistakes, with innocent people being deported or detained. Human Rights Watch has called on the Indian government to respect due process and treat all people humanely, regardless of their religion or background.
The Supreme Court of India continues to watch these developments closely. While the court supports strong border controls, it also insists that basic legal rights must be protected. Future court rulings may shape how Assam and other states balance security with fairness.
Expert Opinions and Multiple Perspectives
- Government and BJP Leaders:
They see illegal immigration as a direct threat to Assam’s identity and security. They support tough enforcement, quick deportations, and population control measures to protect indigenous rights. -
Human Rights Groups:
These organizations warn that harsh policies can harm innocent people, especially minorities and refugees. They call for fair hearings, legal help, and humane treatment for all.
- Researchers and Academics:
Experts say the issue is complex. They point to the root causes of migration, such as poverty and unrest in Bangladesh, and the need for balanced policies. They urge the government to protect indigenous rights while also respecting human rights and legal norms.
What’s Next for Assam?
Looking ahead, Assam and the central government are likely to continue strict enforcement of immigration laws. More detention centers and pushbacks are expected. The Supreme Court will keep a close eye on the situation, and future rulings may require changes to current policies.
Given the criticism and challenges, there may be adjustments to make verification and deportation procedures fairer. This could include better legal safeguards, clearer rules, and more community involvement to ease tensions.
Practical Guidance and Resources
For those affected by these policies, it is important to stay informed and seek help if needed. The Assam Legislative Assembly website offers updates on government actions and statements by leaders like Numal Momin. The Ministry of Home Affairs (India) provides official information and guidelines on immigration enforcement. You can find more details on the Ministry of Home Affairs official website.
If you or someone you know is facing citizenship questions, it is important to understand the NRC process and the role of Foreigners Tribunals. The official NRC Assam website and government legal aid services can provide guidance. If you are required to appear before a Foreigners Tribunal, make sure to check the Foreigners Tribunal official page for the latest information and forms.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The issue of illegal immigration in Assam remains deeply emotional and politically charged. Deputy Speaker Numal Momin’s warnings highlight the fears of many indigenous Assamese and tribal groups. At the same time, government actions have sparked debate about fairness, human rights, and the best way forward.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Assam is likely to remain tense as authorities balance security with legal and humanitarian concerns. For those living in Assam, staying informed and seeking legal help when needed is more important than ever. The coming months will show how Assam and India address these challenges while respecting both the rights of indigenous people and the dignity of all residents.
Learn Today
Illegal Immigration → Entering or residing in a country without legal permission or documentation.
National Register of Citizens (NRC) → An official list identifying legitimate citizens to exclude illegal immigrants in Assam.
Foreigners Tribunals → Special legal courts deciding cases on citizenship status for people excluded from the NRC.
Pushbacks → The practice of forcibly returning suspected illegal immigrants across borders without legal hearings.
Detention Centers → Facilities used to hold suspected illegal immigrants during verification or deportation processes.
This Article in a Nutshell
Rising illegal immigration in Assam alarms Deputy Speaker Numal Momin, who warns it threatens tribal identity. Government measures include rapid verification and deportations. Critics cite human rights concerns over tribunal bypasses, amid debates balancing security and fairness in this historic regional challenge affecting Assam’s future demographics and culture.
— By VisaVerge.com
