Introduction
Assam’s recent deportation drive has drawn national and international scrutiny. Over 2,000 individuals — many declared foreigners by Foreigners Tribunals — have allegedly been pushed across the India-Bangladesh border. This blog examines the controversial “Operation Sindoor,” the legality of these actions, and the human cost borne by people like Shona Banu.
Operation Sindoor: A Brief Overview
Launched in May 2025, Operation Sindoor is a central government initiative to deport individuals marked as illegal immigrants. According to BBC News, over 2,000 people have already been deported, including from Assam, Gujarat, and Delhi. Many were flown in IAF aircraft and allegedly handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for border pushbacks.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
58-year-old Shona Banu from Barpeta, Assam, claimed she was taken at gunpoint to no man’s land and left without food or shelter for days. She had ongoing appeals in the Supreme Court of India. Critics argue that these pushbacks violate Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees protection of life and personal liberty. Understanding Assam’s NRC: Implications and Controversies provides deeper insights into citizenship issues deportation drive.
Government’s Stance
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that only those confirmed as illegal foreigners and not appealing their cases are being deported. He cited a February 2025 Supreme Court ruling directing deportation. However, many allege that people with pending appeals — like Monowara Bewa — are also being pushed back, violating both court orders and diplomatic protocols with Bangladesh.
Opposition and Legal Pushback
Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia condemned the policy as unconstitutional. The All BTC Minority Students’ Union filed a petition against the Assam government, but the apex court directed them to approach the Gauhati High Court first. Cases like Abdul Latif’s — wrongly identified due to document mismatch — show flaws in the tribunal system.
Broader Implications
Assam’s complex demographic history, including waves of migration since pre-independence, makes the citizenship debate extremely sensitive. The 2019 National Register of Citizens (NRC) excluded nearly two million residents. Now, efforts like Operation Sindoor risk amplifying statelessness and human rights violations unless executed with full legal accountability.
Conclusion
India’s responsibility to protect its borders must align with constitutional and humanitarian principles. Deportation without due process erodes both national and international legal norms. As legal reviews continue, it is imperative for authorities to ensure transparency, safeguard citizenship rights, and rebuild public trust.
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