Introduction
Northeast India has long been affected by cross-border migration pressures Assam with Bangladesh and Mizoram with Myanmar. In June 2025, both Assam and Mizoram took decisive administrative steps aimed at halting illegal immigration by tightening identity verification and biometric registration measures.
Assam: Reviving 1950 Law & Controlling Aadhaar Access
- Invoking the Immigrants Expulsion Act (1950)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the revival of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, empowered by a recent Supreme Court judgement interpreting Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. The Court recognized that district-level officials Deputy Commissioners could push back identified illegal immigrants without awaiting tribunal proceedings.
Within days, this move yielded results: Assam reported pushing back at least 330 individuals believed to be undocumented. CM Sarma clarified that any pending court challenges would be respected, but no new tribunals would delay further action.
- Tightening Aadhaar Enrollment Process
In parallel, Assam amended its Aadhaar registration policy to combat misuse by undocumented migrants. From June 27, adult Aadhaar applications in the state require approval through the Deputy Commissioner’s office, instead of standard UIDAI-run centres. Govt argues this will close loopholes exploited by Bangladeshi migrants applying for identity documents. Since Aadhaar is essential for accessing services, curbing its unlawful issuance would make detection and deportation of migrants easier. - Scale and Criticism
Assam has declared identification of over 165,000 illegal migrants since December 2024, with more than 30,000 deported so far . While the BJP claims a zero-tolerance approach, critics warn this policy disproportionately affects Muslim communities, often targeting economically vulnerable individuals.
Concerns also remain about potential human rights and due process, as mass pushbacks risk being hasty or arbitrary. Opposition parties have filed petitions claiming harassment and wrongful detention of genuine Indian citizens these channels remain active.
Mizoram: Regulating Myanmar-Refugee Documentation
- Confiscation of Myanmar IDs
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced the government is considering confiscating Myanmar-issued IDs from refugees who illicitly cross back and forth over the border. CM Lalduhoma noted that while some refugees are law-abiding, recurring border crossings by others necessitate stricter state intervention.
The state will also collect biometric data from all Myanmar refugees in Mizoram to monitor movement and improve enforcement of local regulations.
- YMA & Village Council Engagement
The Young Mizo Association Mizoram’s largest civil society group urged that Aadhaar, voter IDs, birth certificates or ration cards from refugees should not count as valid proofs unless endorsed by Village Councils and YMA units. These bodies aim to uphold community identity norms and ensure legal compliance.
Representatives stressed that while refugees receive cultural support, misuse of official documents to claim land or rights would face legal consequences .
- Addressing Illegal Burmese Migration
Mizoram continues to struggle with cross-border migration from Myanmar, especially along the hilly frontier. The state’s latest measures seek to formalize refugee intake and impose order balancing humanitarian concerns with security and resource preservation.
Common Threads & Regional Implications
- Empowered bureaucracy
Both Assam and Mizoram are relying on administrative powers, minimizing judiciary involvement a visible shift toward speedy implementation. Assam’s move to revive a decades-old law and Mizoram’s biometric strategy reflect this pattern. - Border identity as a flashpoint
In both states, local identity and resource concerns are at the heart of these policies. In Assam, historical identity anxieties drive rigorous immigration enforcement. In Mizoram, preserving ethnic and land rights guides refugee regulation. - Risk of rights erosion vs. enforcement gains
While governments defend these actions as necessary to safeguard regional interests, their bypassing of judicial checks, and broad data collection raise alarms about civil liberty impacts especially for marginalized communities.
Conclusion: Complexity in Action
Assam and Mizoram’s recent policy moves illustrate a growing regional emphasis on speedy, bureaucratically driven immigration enforcement, driven by legality and local sentiment. While Assam’s revival of the 1950 expulsion law and Aadhaar restrictions aim to expedite deportations, Mizoram seeks to monitor cross-border flows through biometric mapping and document control.
The effectiveness and equity of these initiatives remain unclear. If implemented judiciously with accountability mechanisms they could strengthen border governance. But without due process safeguards, they risk alienating vulnerable communities and inflaming regional tensions.
Sources:
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/assam-to-tighten-aadhaar-rules-to-curb-illegal-immigrants-cm-sarma/articleshow/122114899.cms?utm_
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-bid-to-track-illegals-assam-tightens-aadhaar-controls/articleshow/122121535.cms?utm_
- https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/india-intensifies-expulsion-suspected-foreigners-bangladesh-2025-06-10/?utm_
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