A recent identity verification initiative launched across Assam has led to the detention of 50 individuals, triggering widespread public concern over the legality and fairness of the process. The drive, conducted by Assam Police over the past few days, has taken place in several districts, including Barpeta, Dhubri, Golaghat, Cachar, and the capital city of Guwahati.
The operation is reportedly part of a central government directive aimed at verifying the status of individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants from neighboring countries. Authorities claim the move is part of a broader effort to identify undocumented residents and uphold national security. However, critics have questioned the abrupt nature of the drive and the lack of transparency surrounding the detentions.
Many families of those detained assert that their relatives are Indian citizens and possess valid identification documents. In the absence of clear communication from the police, these detentions have caused fear and unrest, particularly among minority communities who feel disproportionately targeted.
Several civil society organizations and student unions have condemned the verification process. The All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) voiced strong objections, calling the detentions unjustified and alleging that the drive undermines established legal procedures for citizenship verification. According to AAMSU representatives, Assam already has legal mechanisms, such as Foreigners’ Tribunals and border police units, to assess citizenship claims. They argue that bypassing these processes creates an atmosphere of mistrust and intimidation.
The detained individuals are currently being held at a facility in Rupnagar, where their documents are being scrutinized. Authorities have stated that anyone found to have valid proof of Indian citizenship will be released. Still, the sudden detentions without prior notice or proper explanation have raised alarms among legal experts and rights advocates.
In a separate development, nine people who were previously declared as foreign nationals by tribunals were taken into custody in Morigaon district after reportedly evading earlier detention orders. They are expected to be transferred to a holding facility in Goalpara, pending further review.
This ongoing verification campaign has reignited discussions around Assam’s complex history with migration and identity. The state has long been at the center of debates regarding illegal immigration, and efforts like this drive have often drawn criticism for lack of due process and for disproportionately affecting certain communities.
As the verification continues, legal and human rights groups are calling for a more transparent, accountable, and lawful approach. Ensuring that individual rights are respected, while maintaining security objectives, remains a delicate balance that the authorities must navigate carefully.
The government has yet to issue a comprehensive public briefing on the operation. Meanwhile, civil society continues to demand clarity, legal safeguards, and respect for constitutional rights during such sensitive exercises.
