Assam student union challenges wrongful branding of Indians as Bangladesh nationals

Over a thousand students gathered at Salakati Eidgah Field in Kokrajhar on Tuesday as the All Bodoland Minority Students' Union called for immediate action against what it describes as systematic harassment of Indian citizens wrongly branded as Bangladeshi nationals.

The gathering, organised by ABMSU's central committee with backing from the Kokrajhar district unit, drew participants from all five district committees across the Bodoland Territorial Region. Student leaders used the platform to announce a multi-pronged campaign that will extend from Assam's streets to the nation's capital.

ABMSU President Taison Hussain revealed that 16 people in the BTR region have been detained by Assam Police as 'D-Voters' - a category for those whose citizenship remains disputed - yet their cases remain unresolved. "Every single one of them holds Indian citizenship," Hussain declared to the assembled crowd.

The student organisation has mapped out an escalating protest strategy. A dharna will take place at Sachal in Guwahati on June 25, followed by demonstrations at Jantar Mantar during the upcoming Parliament session. However, the union's most significant move may be its decision to approach the Gauhati High Court challenging what it calls illegal arrests and deportations of genuine Indian citizens.

General Secretary Jaidol Islam Seikh and Working President Moinuddin Ali joined Hussain in addressing the gathering, emphasising the need for minority communities to present a united front against alleged injustices. The leaders stressed their commitment to pursuing democratic and legal channels rather than confrontational tactics.

The protest highlights growing tensions over citizenship verification processes in Assam, where authorities have intensified efforts to identify undocumented immigrants. ABMSU argues that legitimate Indian citizens are being caught in this dragnet, facing arbitrary detention and harassment based on suspicion alone.