Assam Detects Nearly 48,000 Foreigners Since 1971

The Assam government revealed that over 47,900 foreigners have been detected in the state between 1971 and 2014, with more than 43% being Hindus. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma provided these figures in a response to a query by AGP MLA Ponakan Baruah. The highest number of detected foreigners was in Cachar.

The Assam government disclosed on Thursday that upwards of 47,900 foreigners have been identified in the state from 1971 to 2014, with more than 43 percent being Hindus.

Responding in a written reply to a query by AGP MLA Ponakan Baruah, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reported that the Foreigners Tribunal (FT) declared 47,928 individuals as foreigners during this period. Of these, 27,309 were Muslims, 20,613 Hindus, and six belonged to other religions.

The Chief Minister noted that the highest number of foreigners was found in Cachar, with 10,152 declared. Among them, 8,139 were Hindus, while 2,013 were Muslims. Sarma also referenced the Assam Accord, stating that foreigners arriving on or after March 25, 1971, would be identified and removed from electoral rolls, with steps taken for their deportation.

(With inputs from agencies.)