The BJP-led administration in Assam has accelerated the process of identifying individuals labeled as 'illegal foreigners' by foreign tribunals, sending them back to the 'no man's land' between India and Bangladesh. Reports indicate that on May 27 and 29, at least 49 such 'declared foreigners' were pushed back from western and southern Assam. Following this, several petitioners have approached the Supreme Court and the Guwahati High Court seeking information about their family members who may have been deported. The petitions request a halt to the Assam government's ongoing campaign.

In a recent statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that approximately 30,000 individuals, declared as foreign nationals by various tribunals, have gone missing. He mentioned that the government has decided to expedite the identification process, which had been stalled during the NRC update. Sarma emphasized that once these individuals are located, appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the law. He also noted that more deportations are expected in the coming days, adding that any declared foreigner can appeal to the High Court or Supreme Court. If an individual has not appealed, their right to reside in India is forfeited. However, those who can demonstrate that they have filed an appeal will not face harassment.

Sarma clarified that there are two categories of illegal immigrants: those who have recently arrived and those declared foreign by tribunals. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had ordered in February that individuals declared foreign and who have not appealed should be deported. Just yesterday, 35 Bangladeshis apprehended near the Meghalaya border were promptly sent back. Sarma reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding Assam's interests and removing all illegal immigrants as per the Supreme Court's directives.

On Thursday, the Guwahati High Court issued a notice to the state government, demanding information about two brothers who had been declared foreign nationals but were later granted bail under certain conditions. Their nephew, Torap Ali, filed a petition expressing concern that his uncles might have been 'illegally pushed into Bangladesh.' Both were declared foreign in 2017 and sent to a transit camp in Goalpara. In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that individuals held for over two years could be released on bail, which led to their release. However, the petitioners reported that the police re-arrested them on May 24, and their current whereabouts remain unknown. The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 4.

Additionally, the Supreme Court announced it would hear a habeas corpus petition on Monday filed by a 26-year-old man. He claims that his mother, Munwara Bewa, a declared foreigner from Dhubri, was taken into custody by the police on May 24, and her whereabouts have been untraceable since.

Chief Minister Sarma also stated that the decision to issue arms licenses to locals in sensitive areas was made after careful consideration, as it is the state government's responsibility to ensure their safety. He affirmed that the constitution grants these individuals the right to life and the right to possess arms under certain regulations. Sarma emphasized, 'It is the state's duty to provide security to locals, which is why we have decided to issue arms licenses in sensitive areas along the international border.'

In response to criticism from opposition parties regarding this move, Sarma remarked that the Congress and certain individuals have consistently opposed government decisions, thus, 'we cannot take it seriously.'