Assam Cabinet Clears SOP for Immigrants Expulsion Act

Quick Summary

• The Assam Cabinet approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.
• The SOP aims to streamline the process of expelling illegal immigrants from Assam.
• District Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) will handle identification and removal processes for suspected illegal immigrants.
• Suspected individuals must produce proof of citizenship within 10 days upon notice from the DC.
• If evidence is deemed insufficient, the DC can issue an expulsion order giving 24 hours’ notice for removal.
• declared foreign nationals identified by Foreigners’ Tribunals will have no further scope for appeal post-certification and can be directly removed following existing legal pathways.
• Expelled individuals will have their biometrics captured on a Foreigners Identification Portal if needed.
• Uncooperative illegal immigrants may either be held in designated centres or handed over to border security forces for removal.
• Illegal entrants found near border areas within 12 hours of crossing into Assam may be immediately pushed back without extra formalities.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the approval of this SOP reflects an intensified focus by the Assam government on tackling illegal immigration, which has long been a contentious issue in the state. The explicit timelines and procedural clarity outlined in this approach aim to enhance administrative efficiency while adhering to legal frameworks like the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.

Key aspects such as biometric data collection and involvement with Foreigners Tribunals suggest coordination between multiple agencies,perhaps improving enforcement capacity while minimizing ambiguity during appeals or removals. Though, operational challenges might arise during implementation due to logistical issues surrounding timely identification or disputes about citizenship documentation.

On broader implications, this initiative is likely intended as both a deterrent against future unauthorized entries into assam’s borders and also addressing longstanding domestic concerns over demographic balance in sensitive areas. How effectively these steps align with humanitarian considerations without compromising India’s obligations under international law remains central going forward.

Read More: Original article Link – The Hindu