Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said his government is following a policy of “civil disobedience and non-cooperation,” inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, to address the issue of illegal Bangladeshi nationals in the state.
Speaking in Sivasagar during the distribution of seed funds under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), Sarma said security forces are pushing back around 20 to 30 illegal migrants daily along the Assam border. He added that large-scale deportation through formal channels is not practical.
According to the Chief Minister, instead of forcibly sending people back, the government is creating conditions that make it difficult for illegal migrants to remain in Assam.
“You cannot send everyone back by train. So we are applying pressure both inside the state and at the border. When living becomes difficult, they will leave on their own,” Sarma said.
He also claimed that the government has cleared nearly 1.5 lakh bigha of land from encroachment, stating that those occupying it illegally will not regain access.
Sarma explained that his approach focuses on administrative action rather than mass protests. He said denying access to land and livelihoods is part of a strategy aimed at discouraging illegal settlement.
He further stated that despite daily pushbacks, no legal challenges have been filed against the government’s actions.
Referring to Gandhian principles, Sarma said non-cooperation and civil disobedience were being applied at a social and administrative level. He urged people to avoid supporting illegal migrants economically or socially.
At the same time, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of distinguishing between illegal migrants and indigenous Muslim communities.
“People must understand the difference. Indigenous Muslims should not be harassed, and illegal migrants should not be sheltered in their name,” he said.
Sarma concluded by saying the government would not interfere with action taken against illegal Bangladeshi nationals but would firmly oppose any mistreatment of indigenous Muslims.