Action taken against illegal infiltration in Assam; 19 people removed after police-BSF operation

Guwahati: Security forces in Assam have detained 19 illegal immigrants from different areas of the state and deported them to Bangladesh, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday, December 21.

The Chief Minister stated that the individuals were caught during joint operations conducted in Nagaon and Karbi Anglong districts by the Assam Police and the Border Security Force (BSF).

In a post on X, Sarma said the coordinated drive led to the removal of the infiltrators from Indian territory.

He reiterated that the state government has adopted a strict approach towards illegal immigration and warned that unlawful stay in Assam will not be allowed.

The government is focused on keeping Assam free from infiltration, with around 35 to 40 illegal immigrants reportedly deported every week through ongoing enforcement measures.

The Assam Cabinet cleared a proposal in October to draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.

The SOP is intended to give district commissioners and senior superintendents of police greater authority to speed up deportation processes and prevent further infiltration from neighbouring countries.

The BSF has stepped up monitoring along the 1,885-kilometre India–Bangladesh border in the region, especially following unrest in Bangladesh over the past year.

Assam Police officials said security has been tightened in border areas to stop illegal crossings.

Officials also stated that anyone found without valid citizenship documents will be detained and deported as per legal provisions