AIUDF protests ‘continued harassment’ of Indian Muslims in Assam, seeks Governor intervention

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has strongly protested in Dhubri against what it describes as the ongoing harassment of Indian Muslims in Assam under the pretext of identifying illegal foreigners. 
 

The party has approached the Governor, expressing deep concern over a noticeable increase in instances where individuals, particularly from the Muslim community, are being picked up, interrogated, and even arrested on mere suspicion of being illegal immigrants, often without credible evidence or proper legal procedure. 

In a statement, AIUDF representatives highlighted the "most pathetic part of the development" as revelations in the media that some individuals suspected of being foreigners are allegedly being pushed back into "no man's land" along the Bangladesh border. These individuals, including women, are reportedly left confined without food and water in dilapidated conditions under the open air, a situation the AIUDF decries as a "gross violation of human rights."

The party emphasised that many of the affected individuals belong to the Muslim community and live below the poverty line, surviving on daily wages as laborers. The economic vulnerability leaves them with limited means to defend themselves against such alleged atrocities, leading to "trauma, indignity, and reputational damage."

The AIUDF stated that such incidents have fostered an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, particularly among poor and marginalized Muslims who may lack the resources or literacy to navigate the complexities of citizenship verification. Alarmingly, even those possessing valid documents like voter ID cards, Aadhaar, and land records are reportedly subjected to doubt and harassment.

While unequivocally stating that the AIUDF does not support illegal immigration and believes in the sovereignty of the nation, the party's objection lies firmly in the "misuse of authority and targeting of Indian citizens." They argue that harassment, arbitrary detention, and wrongful accusations violate principles of justice and fairness, and erode trust between the public and the administration.

The AIUDF has urged the Governor to intervene. The following demands were raised:

• Directing concerned authorities to exercise greater caution and legal diligence in identifying suspected foreigners.
  
   
• Ensuring that no Indian citizen is wrongfully detained or subjected to intimidation.
  
   
• Investigating and holding accountable those responsible for wrongful arrests or misuse of power.
  
   
• Establishing a transparent and humane procedure with adequate legal aid for verifying citizenship claims.
  
   
• Promoting awareness among officials and the public to avoid communal profiling and ensure enforcement measures are free of bias or prejudice.
  
   
• Immediately ceasing "push back" operations, which the AIUDF asserts violate human rights provisions.
  
   

The AIUDF expressed hope that their appeal would be considered in the spirit of justice, constitutional rights, and social harmony, reaffirming their belief that the administration must act firmly against illegal immigrants while simultaneously safeguarding the dignity and rights of every Indian citizen, irrespective of religion, language, or region.