India’s NRC Push Leaves Muslims Caught Between Borders

India’s recent actions in Assam and other states have sparked debate over the treatment of Bengali-speaking Muslims, with reports of hundreds being forcibly moved toward the Bangladesh border. The push, led by authorities in Assam, targets individuals labeled as “foreigners” based on a 1971 citizenship cutoff date, tied to Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. This has led to accusations of targeting Muslims, many of whom claim Indian citizenship and long-standing residency.

In Assam, which shares a 260km border with Bangladesh, officials have detained thousands, citing a need to address illegal immigration. Some BJP-governed states, like Maharashtra and Gujarat, have followed suit, with police rounding up suspected undocumented migrants. Human rights groups argue that these actions often bypass legal processes, with individuals, including elderly and disabled citizens, being coerced at gunpoint. Bangladesh’s border forces have returned around 200 people, asserting they are Indian nationals, leaving many stranded in border areas.

The policy stems from Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC), aimed at identifying residents who arrived before March 24, 1971. Critics say the process disproportionately affects Muslims, who make up a third of Assam’s 32 million population, many descended from workers brought during British colonial rule. Reports on X highlight public concern, with some calling the deportations a violation of human rights, while others support India’s efforts to secure its borders.

India’s government maintains that the measures address illegal immigration, a long-standing issue in the region. However, Bangladesh has urged India to follow established repatriation protocols, warning that uncoordinated actions strain bilateral ties. The situation remains tense, with activists and locals in Assam reporting ongoing fear among minority communities.

This development underscores India’s complex challenge of balancing border security with humanitarian concerns, as the nation navigates its historical and cultural ties with Bangladesh. The focus on Assam’s border policies continues to draw attention, raising questions about citizenship and identity in India’s northeast.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 24th, 2025

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