On Sunday (October 27) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that his administration is taking intensified action to prevent illegal immigration from Bangladesh, particularly targeting Rohingya Muslims. Addressing a press conference in Dispur, Sarma asserted that over 130 individuals had been apprehended within the past two months, with the majority identified as Rohingya crossing Assam’s “porous” border with Bangladesh.
Sarma’s statements, however, have raised concerns among human rights advocates who argue that his focus on the religious identity of detainees appears discriminatory. His remarks that “contrary to expectations, we’re not seeing Hindu Bengalis” but rather “Rohingya Muslims” attempting to cross into India has sparked debate on the selective scrutiny of Muslim refugees. Critics argue that this approach risks portraying an entire religious group as a threat, which could incite anti-Rohingya sentiment in the region.
The Chief Minister also called on other Northeastern states and West Bengal to “remain vigilant” and collaborate with the Border Security Force (BSF) to intercept suspected illegal entrants. However, the heavy emphasis on Rohingya identity has led observers to question whether Sarma’s administration is disproportionately targeting a vulnerable population fleeing persecution and violence in Myanmar, where Rohingya Muslims face systemic oppression. Human rights groups argue that by framing Rohingya refugees as a “threat,” the state may be adopting an exclusionary stance that disregards the humanitarian crises leading these individuals to seek refuge.
When asked about cases of identity fraud, including alleged attempts by some migrants to change religious identifiers, CM Sarma stated his government’s firm stance on “pushing back” all illegal entrants, irrespective of religion. Yet, his emphasis on Rohingya Muslims has drawn backlash for its potential to further marginalize displaced populations already facing hostility.
Many are concerned that this narrative could set a precedent for other states to adopt similarly harsh rhetoric and policies, potentially compromising India’s obligations under international law to protect vulnerable refugees.
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