A file image of CM Sarma. (Photo:@himantabiswa/x)

Guwahati, Jul 13: In a recent statement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Assam has successfully repatriated over 1,600 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh over the past two years.

During a session in the Assembly, in response to a query from AIUDF member Badruddin Ajmal, Sarma detailed that this repatriation occurred between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, following the identification of these individuals.

According to Sarma, a total of 1,679 illegal immigrants have been sent back to Bangladesh during this timeframe. He explained that while some were simply 'sent back', others underwent 'expulsion', and a few were returned through formal 'deportation' processes.

The Chief Minister emphasized that no identified illegal immigrant would be repatriated if there are pending appeals in the High Court or Supreme Court.

When questioned about the government's approach to 'push back' infiltrators, Sarma clarified that citizenship matters fall under the jurisdiction of the central government.

He stated, "The state government enforces the laws and directives issued by the Centre regarding citizenship. In doing so, we ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to protect individual human rights," he added.

Sarma also noted that the Assam government does not engage directly with foreign nations without the involvement of the central government.