Assam, India – July 2025: In a disturbing development, hundreds of Bengali Muslims, including many believed to be Indian citizens, have been forcibly expelled from Assam to Bangladesh since May 2025, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.
These expulsions, carried out without proper legal procedures, have raised serious concerns over violations of constitutional rights and international human rights obligations.
🚫 No Due Process, No Justice
The expelled individuals were reportedly denied a fair opportunity to prove their Indian citizenship. There was no judicial oversight, and many were not given access to lawyers or formal hearings before being deported. In several cases, people were coerced or misled into leaving the country under threat or pressure.
Pushed Across Borders, Then Readmitted
In a surprising twist, dozens of those expelled were later allowed back into India after proving their Indian nationality through valid documents. This has further highlighted the flawed process and wrongful actions of local authorities.
Legal experts, civil rights groups, and political leaders have condemned the expulsions as unlawful and discriminatory. They argue that these actions violate:
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The Indian Constitution (Articles 14 and 21)
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India’s obligations under international law
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The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending people back to a country where they may face harm or persecution
Assam has long been at the center of debates over citizenship, identity, and migration. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have intensified fears among minority communities, especially Muslims of Bengali origin, about being declared “foreigners” in their own country
Human rights groups are urging the Indian government to:
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Immediately halt all unlawful deportations
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Ensure due process and legal aid for anyone facing questions about citizenship
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Investigate and hold accountable those responsible for illegal expulsions
This incident raises urgent questions about citizenship rights, religious discrimination, and the responsibility of a democratic state to protect its people especially its most vulnerable.
