A total of 28 illegal immigrants apprehended, expelled: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

On X, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared that law enforcement agencies have detained 28 individuals identified as illegal immigrants and have subsequently expelled them from the state. The operation was part of a broader anti‑infiltration drive that the state has been conducting since the implementation of the National Register of Citizens, a process aimed at verifying the citizenship status of residents. The chief minister emphasized that the government will not compromise on Assam's security or its distinct cultural identity.

The crackdown comes amid ongoing debates over the impact of cross‑border migration on the region's demographic balance and resource allocation. Local political parties and civil society groups have long argued that unchecked infiltration threatens employment opportunities, land rights, and the preservation of Assamese language and traditions. The state government has therefore intensified border patrols, conducted regular raids, and coordinated with central agencies to identify and remove undocumented individuals.

While the recent expulsions have been welcomed by many who view them as a necessary step toward safeguarding the state's interests, human rights observers have called for due process and humane treatment of those detained. The government has stated that each case was examined in accordance with existing legal frameworks, and that those found to be in violation of immigration laws were given a chance to appeal before removal. The episode underscores the continuing tension between security concerns and the rights of vulnerable populations in the northeastern region.