Assam Identifies Nearly 42,000 Foreigners Among 'D' Voters

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that approximately 1.2 lakh people in the state have been identified as Dubious or Doubtful voters, with over 41,000 declared as foreigners. The classification of D-voters started in 1997 and has significantly affected Assam's political landscape.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday revealed that nearly 1.2 lakh individuals in the state have been identified as 'D' (Dubious or Doubtful) voters, with 41,583 of them declared as foreigners.

In a written response to Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia, Sarma stated that a total of 1,19,570 people were marked as D-voters up to date. 'Out of the disposed cases, 76,233 have been validated as Indians, while 41,583 have been categorised as foreigners,' he said.

Sarma, holding the Home portfolio, also mentioned that 522 detainees held for two years and 273 for three years have been released on bail per Supreme Court directives. 'Nationality verification is ongoing for those classified as foreigners. Once travel permits are issued by their respective countries, they will be deported,' Sarma added.

(With inputs from agencies.)