The Assam government has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to 15 people declared foreigners by a Foreigners’ Tribunal in Nagaon district. Authorities have ordered them to leave India immediately under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.
Officials said the individuals entered India between 1990 and 2021. The Nagaon district administration issued the orders on December 17 after tribunal rulings confirmed their foreign status. The orders state that their presence is harmful to public interest and internal security.
Nagaon Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka said all 15 people are currently lodged at the Matia detention centre in Goalpara district. The deportation process will begin on Friday under police supervision.
The orders direct them to exit Assam within 24 hours through designated routes in Dhubri, South Salmara–Mankachar, or Sribhumi. Officials indicated that the route points toward Bangladesh, following established procedure.
Deputy Commissioner Devashish Sharma said the individuals had challenged the tribunal verdicts in the High Court. However, the court dismissed their petitions, clearing the way for removal.
The Assam Cabinet approved a standard operating procedure for the 1950 Act in September this year. The law allows authorities to expel individuals whose stay is deemed dangerous to public or state interests.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the Act enables faster deportation by bypassing prolonged diplomatic channels. Last month, the law was used for the first time in Sonitpur district.
