 "Over 85,000 declared foreigners missing in Assam, government confirms")
More than 85,000 individuals declared as foreigners by Foreigners’ Tribunals in Assam have gone missing, according to data released by the Assam Home Department.
The revelation has sparked serious concerns over immigration law enforcement and the state’s ability to track and deport undocumented individuals.
The information, disclosed in response to a query by Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rekibuddin Ahmed during the ongoing Assam Assembly session, confirms that 85,024 declared foreigners have disappeared from official records.
These individuals, identified as illegal immigrants through the state’s tribunal system, have evaded authorities, highlighting a significant gap in the government’s deportation and monitoring efforts.
The large number of absconding foreigners points to the concerning absence of an effective tracking mechanism, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to locate and remove those residing in the state unlawfully.
Authorities struggle to monitor illegal immigrants
Authorities have long struggled with monitoring individuals after they are declared illegal immigrants. Without a systematic approach to tracking their movements, many simply disappear, hampering deportation efforts and raising broader security concerns.
Officials warn that the lack of accountability could have serious ramifications for law enforcement, particularly in border districts that have historically dealt with issues of illegal immigration.
The state government has yet to outline any specific measures to address the issue. However, experts say Assam’s tracking and deportation system requires urgent reform to prevent further lapses in immigration enforcement.
Supreme Court of Assam’s case
Earlier last month, the Supreme Court had ht out at the Assam government and the Centre for not deporting people declared as “foreigners”. The apex court rapped the practice of keeping people in detention centres indefinitely.
“Indefinite detention in detention camps violates basic rights,” the SC had said.
In response, the Assam government had argued that deportation was not possible as the addresses of the illegal immigrants in their origin country were not known.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWith inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
