Guwahati, Assam – Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused opposition parties of fostering a political environment that encourages illegal immigration, promising that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retains power in Assam, the state will spot the deportation of all identified infiltrators within five years. The pledge came during a speech at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Assam Police 10th Battalion headquarters at Kachutoli, near Guwahati, a site previously reclaimed from alleged illegal encroachers.
Shah’s remarks underscore the BJP’s continued focus on the issue of illegal immigration in Assam, a state with a long and sensitive history regarding border security and demographic shifts. He asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi possesses the “courage, determination, and firm resolve to free the country from infiltrators,” framing the effort as a national security imperative. The commitment to deportations is a central tenet of the BJP’s platform in the region, particularly as Assam approaches upcoming assembly elections.
The Home Minister further stated that the support of the state government is crucial for successfully removing infiltrators, implying that a change in power could jeopardize these efforts. He also referenced ongoing efforts by the Election Commission of India to identify potential illegal immigrants through a Summary Revision (SIR) process, but noted that the Leader of the Opposition has initiated protests against this measure. This suggests a political battle over the exceptionally definition of citizenship and the methods used to verify voter eligibility.
Reclaiming Land and Strengthening Security
The location of the Assam Police 10th Battalion headquarters holds symbolic weight, as it was previously occupied by alleged illegal encroachers. According to Shah, 174 bighas of land had been encroached upon during the tenure of a previous government, but has since been reclaimed under the leadership of current Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He highlighted this as a demonstration of the current administration’s commitment to restoring order and securing the state’s borders. Sarma has reportedly freed nearly 1.45 lakh bighas of land from alleged infiltrators and facilitated government jobs for over 1.4 lakh people in Assam, according to Shah.
The establishment of the 10th Battalion is intended to address ongoing security challenges in the region. Shah emphasized that the new facility will serve as a crucial component in eliminating these threats and ensuring the safety and stability of Assam. He added that the presence of infiltrators had previously posed a significant obstacle to the state’s development.
Demographic Concerns and Political Allegations
Shah leveled accusations against the opposition, claiming they allowed illegal immigration to flourish, leading to a “dangerous level” in Assam’s demographic situation. He specifically named several districts – Dhubri, Barpeta, Morigaon, Darrang, Bongaigaon, and Nagaon – as areas particularly affected by infiltration. He alleged that the opposition has used infiltrators as a vote bank, prioritizing political gain over the security and cultural identity of the state.
The Home Minister asserted that allowing infiltrators to enter Assam has harmed the identity of the Assamese community and endangered its cultural heritage. He stated that the BJP, if re-elected, will not only remove infiltrators from electoral rolls but will also ensure their deportation from the country within five years. This pledge is a key component of the party’s campaign strategy, appealing to voters concerned about the impact of immigration on Assam’s social fabric.
Naxalism and Broader Security Efforts
Shah also drew a parallel between the government’s efforts to combat Naxalism and its commitment to addressing illegal immigration. He stated that, just as the country is becoming “free from Naxalism,” Assam and the entire nation will also be freed from infiltrators. This echoes a recent statement made in May 2025, where he affirmed the government’s determination to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. The comparison suggests a broader strategy of strengthening internal security across the country.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony took place on land reclaimed from encroachers in 2024, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing issues of land encroachment and illegal occupation. The event served as a platform for Shah to reiterate the BJP’s stance on immigration and to highlight the achievements of the current Assam government in tackling these challenges.
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on the implementation of the Summary Revision process by the Election Commission and the continued efforts to identify and deport individuals deemed to be illegal immigrants. The upcoming assembly elections in Assam will be a crucial test of the BJP’s commitment to this issue and its ability to maintain the support of voters concerned about the state’s demographic future. The next major checkpoint will be the completion of the electoral roll revision and the subsequent actions taken based on its findings.
This is a developing story. Readers are encouraged to share their perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue in the comments section below.
