AASU protests intensify in Assam after CAA deadline extension

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the All Dhubri District Students’ Union staged a protest in Golakganj on September 15, demanding the identification and deportation of what they termed illegal Islamic fundamentalists and Bangladeshi nationals from Assam. 

The protest came in the wake of the Union government’s decision to extend the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) deadline, reigniting fears over Assam’s demographic and cultural identity.

Hundreds of students and local residents joined the protest, raising slogans against the government and demanding immediate measures to address illegal immigration.

Jibon Barua, district general secretary of AASU, said the CAA violates the spirit of the 1985 Assam Accord, which mandated the detection and deportation of all illegal immigrants, irrespective of religion, who entered Assam after March 25, 1971. “CAA creates religious division and undermines the Accord. Assam cannot accept any law that changes its identity,” he said.

Also Read: Assam minister vows protection of minority rights, assures transparent governance in BTC

The protesters called for a complete update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and urged that citizenship be granted only to those who can prove their Indian nationality. A memorandum highlighting these demands was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Dhubri, with a warning that if the government fails to act, AASU will escalate its agitation.

AASU leaders stressed that the demonstration in Golakganj is part of a larger, statewide agitation aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of unchecked immigration. They warned that the influx of illegal Bangladeshi nationals continues to threaten Assam’s culture, identity, and security.

Protests similar to Saturday’s have been organized by AASU across Assam in recent weeks, with the students’ body vowing to continue until the government takes concrete steps to implement the Assam Accord in letter and spirit.