Muslim Expulsions from India Raise Human Rights Concerns
A recent report suggests that Indian authorities are covertly relocating Muslim individuals to Bangladesh, labeling them as undocumented migrants. This emerging practice has sparked alarm in Dhaka, which views the actions as violations of established agreements and basic human rights.
A Long History of Struggle
Since the 1947 partition, Muslims in India have faced numerous hardships, ranging from communal riots to enduring systemic marginalization. The current reports indicate a disturbing new chapter: more than 1,200 people have reportedly been forced into Bangladesh since early May 2025, with movements taking place across multiple border crossings in regions such as Moulvibazar, Sylhet, and Tripura.
While many of those expelled are thought to be undocumented, there are credible accounts that some of the expelled individuals are, in fact, long-standing Indian Muslims. In particular, residents from Assam have been mistakenly categorized as “illegal immigrants” amid India’s ongoing campaign against undocumented foreigners, known as Operation Sindoor.
Personal Accounts from Assam
One account detailed the experience of a Muslim woman from Assam. She recalled being summoned by local police on May 25 and then taken forcefully to the border with a small group of others, where they were compelled to cross into Bangladesh. Similar stories from Assamese Muslims suggest that their targeting may be driven less by legal technicalities and more by their religious identity and cultural heritage.
The Impact of Political Rhetoric
Political statements appear to reinforce this trend. Past remarks by officials have dehumanized individuals labeled as “illegal immigrants,” with some senior leaders ominously promising decisive actions against these populations. Critics argue that such rhetoric reflects an undercurrent of anti-Muslim sentiment that continues to influence policy decisions.
In Assam, where the issue of citizenship has long been contentious, there are numerous reports of Indian Muslims facing detention or deportation even when they possess valid citizenship documents. Advocacy groups claim that millions have suffered from measures that result in home demolitions or forced evictions solely on the basis of being branded as undocumented.
Evictions and the Struggle for Home
One high-profile case emerged during an eviction drive in the Dhalpur-Gorukhuti area, where approximately 800 Muslim families were uprooted in September 2021. Officials justified these measures by alleging illegal occupation of state land, yet local human rights organizations countered that the drive disproportionately affected Bengali-speaking Muslims who had legally settled in the area through generations.
Although the government promised resettlement, subsequent eviction actions displaced an additional 400 families, deepening the crisis for affected communities.
Bangladesh’s Response
Authorities in Bangladesh have expressed growing concern over the situation. Their border patrols have identified and returned around 100 individuals recognized as Indian citizens. Senior Bangladeshi officials have publicly criticized the lack of formal deportation procedures by India, emphasizing that these actions breach guidelines established in 1975 between the two nations.
A recent diplomatic note from Dhaka to New Delhi underscored the need for proper verification of identities before any further deportations take place.
Looking Ahead
The unfolding crisis casts a harsh light on the challenges of citizenship and identity in a region with a fraught history. Without transparent and just processes, many more Indian Muslims risk being forcibly removed from their homes and stripped of their rights, further complicating an already sensitive demographic and political landscape.
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