July 15th 2024.
In a recent development, the government of Assam has made a decision regarding the handling of illegal immigration cases. The state has instructed its border police unit to not send any cases of non-Muslim immigrants who entered before 2015 to the Foreigners Tribunal. Instead, they have been advised to apply for citizenship under the Citizenship Act of 2019.
The letter, issued on July 5th by Home and Political Secretary Parth Pratim Majumdar, stated that all non-Muslim immigrants who entered India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan by 2014 are eligible for Indian citizenship. This falls under the newly amended Citizenship Act, which recognizes the rights of non-Muslim immigrants to become citizens of India.
The directive specifically mentioned that the Assam Police's border wing should not directly forward cases of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Jain, and Christian immigrants who entered before December 31, 2014 to the Foreigners Tribunal. Instead, they should be advised to apply for citizenship through the designated portal. However, this option is not available to those who entered Assam from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan after December 31, 2014, regardless of their religion. In such cases, they will be sent to the relevant Foreigners Tribunal for further action.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the media on Monday, stating that the letter was issued in accordance with the law. He clarified that anyone who entered Assam after 2015 will not be eligible for citizenship and will be deported back to their country of origin. This decision is in line with the Assam Accord, which states that foreigners who entered the state after March 25, 1971 will be identified and removed from electoral rolls.
This move by the Assam government reflects the changing dynamics of citizenship laws in India and aims to provide a pathway for non-Muslim immigrants to become citizens. It also highlights the importance of following established protocols and procedures in handling such sensitive matters.
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