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Assam's Border Crisis: Forced Deportations to Bangladesh Spark Outrage

Escalating Tensions at the Assam-Bangladesh Border

In recent days, a troubling situation has unfolded along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam, where individuals accused of being illegal immigrants have reportedly been forcibly pushed across the border. Reports indicate that many of these individuals, declared as 'foreigners' by local authorities, have been detained and deported without what some legal experts describe as due process. This has led to significant distress among affected families and communities in the region.

The Assam government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has defended the actions, stating that they are following a Supreme Court order to deport illegal immigrants. Sarma has publicly noted that over 30,000 individuals have been declared foreign nationals in the state, with deportation efforts intensifying. However, the manner of these deportations, often leaving people in 'no man's land' between the two countries, has drawn sharp criticism.

Legal advocates and human rights groups have raised alarms over the process, alleging that many deportations are being carried out without proper legal recourse. Abdur Razzaque Bhuyan, a lawyer handling numerous citizenship cases in Assam, has claimed that there is a 'wilful and deliberate misinterpretation of the court order.' He argues that cooperation between India and Bangladesh is necessary for such actions, a step that appears to be missing in many recent cases.

Bhuyan's concerns are echoed by a student organization that recently filed a petition with the Supreme Court, seeking intervention to halt what they call a 'forceful and illegal pushback policy.' Additionally, individual cases have emerged, such as that of Manowara Begum, whose son has approached the Supreme Court claiming his mother was detained and deported without clear information on her whereabouts. The Supreme Court is set to hear related pleas in the coming days, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

The humanitarian impact is stark, with families reporting loved ones being abruptly taken from their homes. Some have described being forced across the border at gunpoint, a claim that underscores the severity of the situation and the fear it has instilled in border communities.

Government Policies and Public Sentiment

The Assam government's push to address illegal immigration stems from long-standing regional concerns, reinforced by historical agreements like the Assam Accord and recent Supreme Court rulings. The state has identified over 159,000 people as 'foreigners' and nearly 97,000 as 'doubtful voters' as of late last year, reflecting a broader campaign to manage undocumented migration. Chief Minister Sarma has also mentioned that around 3,000 immigrants have seemingly vanished, prompting intensified efforts to locate and deport them.

Public sentiment, as reflected in various posts on social media platforms like X, shows a polarized response. While some support the government's strict measures as a necessary step to protect local interests, others condemn the approach as harsh and potentially abusive, calling for greater transparency and adherence to legal norms. As this crisis unfolds, the balance between national security and human rights remains a contentious issue, with the eyes of both nations and international observers watching closely.

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