'Genuine Indians being pushed back from Assam to Bangladesh in the dark': AIUDF

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) on July 8 submitted a memorandum to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, raising a range of issues including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), eviction drives, the pushback of illegal immigrants and law and order.

Speaking to India Today NE, AIUDF spokesperson Rafikul Islam said the party supports action against illegal immigrants but urged the government to coordinate with Bangladesh before carrying out any pushback.

"Pushback is acceptable if the individuals are genuinely illegal immigrants. However, the government should hold talks with the Bangladesh government before undertaking such action," he said, referring to the party's stand articulated by AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal.

On the proposed Uniform Civil Code, Islam demanded its repeal, alleging that the legislation was an attempt to impose Hindu personal laws.

"The UCC should be repealed. This is an attempt to enforce Hindu laws. It is not a complete Uniform Civil Code," he said.

The AIUDF also sought rehabilitation for families displaced during eviction drives, stating that no eviction should be carried out until alternative rehabilitation arrangements are made.

"No eviction should take place before rehabilitation. Evicted people must first be rehabilitated," the spokesperson said.

Rejecting claims that Muslim-majority areas witness higher crime rates, Islam described such assertions as propaganda.

"Crime and criminals have no religion. The perception that Muslim areas have a higher crime rate is merely propaganda," he said.

On the Ayodhya issue, the AIUDF spokesperson said the demolition of the Babri Masjid remains a painful chapter for the Muslim community but stressed that the Ram temple should now be respected.

"Babri Masjid is a scar in our hearts, but now that the temple has been built, it should be respected, and the funds associated with it should also be respected," he said.

The memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister seeking consideration of the party's demands on the various issues.