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SC Slams Assam: ‘Waiting for Muhurat?’ Orders Deportation of 63 Foreigners

February 4, 2025, 1:21 pm

The Supreme Court has severely lambasted the Assam government for delaying the deportation of people declared as foreigners. A bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan asked the state government why it had not taken any action and if it was waiting for some “muhurat” to proceed with the deportations.

SC Directs Immediate Deportation of Foreigners

The court directed the Assam government to repatriate 63 people who are still in detention camps. These are foreigners who had been declared in the process of verification under the National Register of Citizens. The state government said that it didn’t have their address details from their respective countries of origin and that this seemed not convincing enough to the Supreme Court.

Justice Oka accused Assam of “suppressing facts,” leading to Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta offering an apology on behalf of the executive, admitting to “some lacunae” in the process. Justice Oka issued a stern warning: “We will issue a perjury notice to you. You are supposed to come clean.”

Court Questions Assam’s Legal Stand on Detention

Justice Bhuyan also questioned the state’s prolonged detention of foreigners without initiating deportation. “Once you declare a person as a foreigner, you must take the next logical step. You can’t detain them forever. Article 21 is there. There are many foreign detention centers in Assam. How many have you deported?” he asked.

Rebutting the argument of the state that it did nothing, Justice Oka provided a direct answer saying, “You deport them to the capital city of the country. Suppose the person is from Pakistan, you know the capital city of Pakistan? How can you keep them detained here saying their foreign address is not known?”

SC Urges Assam to Seek External Affairs Ministry’s Help

The court also raised a question of why Assam did not seek assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the process of deportation. “You know the status of their citizenship. Then how can you wait till their address is received? It is for the other country to decide where should they go,” Justice Oka asserted.

The Supreme Court remarks have heightened the controversy surrounding Assam’s handling of cases of deportation of foreigners, which it urgently called for to maintain legal and human rights principles.

Bodoland has witnessed wave of development following signing of Bodo peace accord: PM Modi

November 15, 2024, 9:00 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the 1st Bodoland Mahotsav on Friday, stated that Bodoland has seen a wave of development following the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord. He emphasized that this agreement has not only brought stability to the region but also paved the way for other potential peace settlements.

“Development in Bodoland has been substantial over the last four years. The positive results following the Peace Accord provide immense satisfaction,” PM Modi remarked.

Central and State Government Development Packages

The Prime Minister highlighted that the Central Government has allocated a special development package of ₹1,500 crore for Bodoland. In addition, the Assam Government has provided its own package, with over ₹700 crore spent on infrastructure in education, healthcare, and cultural projects.

Impact of the Bodo Peace Accord

The Bodo Peace Accord, signed in January 2020 with various Bodo groups in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, was a major step towards resolving the longstanding conflict in the region. Following the agreement, 1,615 members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) factions laid down their arms.

“The Bodo Peace Accord did not just benefit Bodoland; it also opened doors for other similar agreements. Had this accord been limited to mere paperwork, others wouldn’t have trusted the process. But the people of Bodoland embraced the accord wholeheartedly,” PM Modi stated.

The two-day Bodoland Mahotsav, organized on November 15 and 16, is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community. The event focuses on language, literature, and traditions, with the theme “Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat.” It aims to integrate the Bodo people from various regions, including Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and other international border areas in the North East.

The festival seeks to highlight the linguistic diversity, ecological richness, and tourism potential of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The Mahotsav also symbolizes the journey of recovery and resilience since the signing of the peace agreement.

Prime Minister Modi witnessed traditional Bodo dance performances and even played the Sarinda, a stringed musical instrument of the Bodo community. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined the event virtually.

The Bodo community, one of the oldest indigenous groups in Assam, is the largest tribal community in the state. The Bodo language, listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, is recognized as an Associate Official Language of Assam and is used as a medium of instruction up to Class XII.

PM Modi extended his wishes on the occasions of Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepawali, and the 555th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev. He congratulated the Sikh community and also acknowledged the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas across the country.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi attended a ceremony in Jamui, Bihar, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, paying homage to the tribal freedom fighter.

Assam Government Directs Schools to Allow Religious Symbols

October 15, 2024, 11:10 am

In a significant move, the Assam government has issued a directive to all schools in the state, instructing them to permit students to wear religious symbols, such as rakhis and tilaks, particularly during festivals. This order, issued on October 1 by Aditi Barman, Deputy Secretary of the Department of School Education, emphasizes the protection of students’ cultural and religious rights within the educational environment.

The directive comes in response to an advisory from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), dated August 8, 2024, which stated that schools must respect and allow students to express their religious and cultural identities. The NCPCR’s advisory highlighted concerns that certain schools were prohibiting students from wearing cultural and religious symbols, potentially subjecting them to discrimination or corporal punishment.

The Assam government’s letter underscored the importance of ensuring that schools do not practice discriminatory measures against students expressing their religious beliefs. It mandated that school authorities across the state issue necessary instructions to their staff to follow these guidelines, ensuring that children are not deprived of their cultural identity.

The issue has sparked widespread discussion, particularly within the context of the growing political and cultural sensitivities in Assam. While some have welcomed the move as a step toward safeguarding students’ rights, others express concerns over the potential communal implications of the directive.

Speaking to The Daily Guardian, Hindutva Leader and President of Kutumba Surakshya Parishad Satya Ranjan Borah stated that exclusive religious enforcement will not be accepted. “India being a democratic and secular country there should not be any kinds exclusive religious practices in the public educational institutions. Educational institutions are the man making industries. They should teach the pupils how to be a good human enjoying everyone’s dignity of life and fundamental rights for lives. Christian Missionary ruled schools are violating the core values of Constitution of India and parallelly they are defying the Child Rights and Constitutional Duties. So, it’s a good initiative of Govt of Assam under the supervision of NCPCR,” added Borah.

Borah further stated that Christian Missionary ruled schools should abide by the new education policy and provide Knowledge of India as prescribed in the NEP. “We will keep sincere eyes on their activities now onwards,” stated Borah.

Assam Introduces 180-Day Child Adoption Leave for Female Employees

July 11, 2024, 12:23 pm

The Assam government recently decided to implement a new policy granting 180 days of Child Adoption Leave to female employees across all state departments. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that this decision aligns with Rule 43-B of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972. The aim is to ensure that female employees who adopt children under the age of one can provide them with proper care and support. The state cabinet approved this measure to benefit women adopting young children, emphasizing the importance of nurturing their adopted children during their formative early months.

Meanwhile, in a recent Supreme Court hearing on adoption rules, Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati highlighted a gap between registration and adoption processes in India. She reported that from 2021 to 2023, 19,424 adoptions occurred under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (HAMA), with 4,029 children adopted in 2023-24 through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). The Supreme Court has directed 13 Indian states and Union territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Arunachal Pradesh, to establish specialized adoption agencies by August 30, in response to previous court orders.

Assam’s CM Biswa Sarma Announces ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme’: Empowering Girls

June 12, 2024, 3:30 pm

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on June 12 a new initiative aimed at preventing early marriage among girl students and encouraging them to pursue higher education. The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme will provide monthly stipends to girl students from class 11 through postgraduate studies.

Scheme Details

The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme offers financial incentives to girls who enroll in higher education institutions:

Classes 11 and 12: Rs 1,000 per month
Undergraduate courses: Rs 1,250 per month
Postgraduate courses: Rs 2,500 per month

The stipends will be transferred directly to the students’ bank accounts on the 11th of every month, reducing economic hardships and easing the financial burden on their families. This initiative aims to increase the enrollment ratio of girls in higher education institutions and promote their educational attainment.

Impact on Early Marriage

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the primary goal of the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme is to delay marriages among girl students, enabling them to become financially independent. The scheme is expected to require an annual expenditure of approximately Rs 300-350 crore, potentially rising to Rs 1,500 crore per year as the number of beneficiaries increases.

Government’s Commitment

The Assam government has approved the scheme, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the education of girls in the state. The Chief Minister noted that the scheme will build on the success of a previous initiative that provided scooters to girls who achieved first-division marks, which resulted in an increase in the number of girls achieving high academic results.

Eligibility Criteria

The scheme will cover most girl students, with some exceptions:

Excludes daughters of ministers, MLAs, and MPs
Excludes students studying in private colleges
Applies to girls from class 11 to post-graduation, with stipends provided for 10 months each year (excluding June and July)

Preventing Child Marriage

Sarma highlighted that preventing child marriage is a key objective of the scheme. Married girls will not be eligible for the stipend, except those already enrolled in postgraduate courses. The scheme aims to increase the gross enrollment ratio of girls in higher education substantially.

The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme represents a significant step by the Assam government to support and empower girl students, ensuring they have the financial means to continue their education and delay marriage, ultimately leading to greater opportunities and economic independence for women in the state.

Rahul Gandhi targets Assam government as fifth day of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra begins

January 18, 2024, 1:40 pm

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra by the Congress began its fifth day on Thursday, moving from Tuli in Nagaland to Jorhat in Assam. Speaking to the crowd, Rahul Gandhi said that Assam has what may be the most corrupt government in all of India. In Sivasagar, Assam, a flag-transfer ceremony was conducted immediately prior to the Yatra.

“BJP-RSS are doing injustice in the country and every state. Be it economic injustice, social injustice or political injustice. There is an atmosphere of civil war in Manipur and till date PM Modi has not visited the state. The Prime Minister had made big promises in Nagaland. He signed the framework agreement nine years ago. People of Nagaland are today asking what happened to that agreement,” Rahul Gandhi said.

“Similar things are happening in Assam also. Perhaps the most corrupt government of India runs in Assam. We got a very good response in Nagaland and I hope we get the same in Assam also. We are repeating the history of Assam again. Shankar Dev ji had shown you the path, had worked to connect everyone. Similarly, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is going on,” he added.

“This journey has become a journey of enthusiasm and courage for the people of Assam because the people here are troubled. People are waiting to see when Rahul Gandhi will come here. This is a historical journey. Our Party believes in the Constitution of India. Today BJP considers itself more knowledgeable than Shankaracharyas. There is a lot of ego in them,” he said.
Congress on its official handle on X said that the Yatra will continue until we get the right to justice.

Assam Peace Deal: ULFA Pro-Talks Faction to Sign Agreement with Central and State Governments

December 29, 2023, 1:44 pm

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared that a trilateral memorandum of settlement involving the ULFA (pro-talks faction), as well as the central and state governments, will be officially signed tomorrow at 5 pm in New Delhi. This significant event will witness the presence of the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Sh. Amit Shah.

ULFA, the insurgent group, was formed in April 1979 following a protest against undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh. The issue of illegal immigration in Assam has persisted since India gained independence, causing concerns among the locals regarding the potential impact on their culture, land, and political rights.

In 2011, ULFA experienced a division into two factions. The pro-talk faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, chose to return to Assam and engage in peace negotiations. On the other hand, the ULFA (Independent) group, led by Paresh Barua, opposed negotiations unless the issue of ‘sovereignty’ was addressed.

The faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa renounced violence and agreed to unconditional talks with the government. Anup Chetia, another prominent member of ULFA, later joined the pro-talks group a couple of years later. Recently, Anup Chetia, who is currently in Delhi, stated that the discussions between ULFA and the government are in the final stages.

In 2011, ULFA presented a 12-point charter of demands to the government, which covers constitutional and political arrangements, as well as the protection of the identity and resources of the local indigenous population in Assam. These demands have been under discussion at various levels.

The draft agreement sent by the Union government was received in April. Talks with officials from the Central government have been conducted since the delegation arrived in Delhi, leading up to the signing of the peace pact.

Over the past three years, the Union government has successfully signed peace agreements with rebel groups such as Bodo, Dimasa, Karbi, and Adivasi outfits in Assam. Once the deal with the ULFA pro-talks faction is finalized, the banned ULFA-Independent, led by Paresh Baruah, will be the only major insurgent group remaining in the state.

Since assuming office as chief minister in May 2021, Himanta Biswa Sarma has witnessed over 7,000 insurgents from various rebel groups laying down their arms and integrating into mainstream society. The state government has implemented several rehabilitation programs to facilitate the smooth transition of these former insurgents into a respectable life.

CM Sarma has consistently appealed to ULFA(I) leader Paresh Baruah to rejoin the mainstream and contribute to the extensive development initiatives taking place in the state. He has also stressed the importance of resolving all outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue.

Assam has endured a prolonged insurgency, necessitating the involvement of central paramilitary and armed forces. Notable operations, such as Operation Bajrang and Operation Rhino, were carried out against the ULFA. The insurgency in Assam has resulted in the loss of lives among civilians, armed forces personnel, state police, and the insurgents themselves.

As a result of the insurgency activities, the Disturbed Areas Act and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) were implemented in Assam in 1980. However, these measures are now limited to a few districts in Upper Assam.

ULFA’s Pro-talks faction to sign peace agreement with Centre and Assam Government

December 28, 2023, 4:14 pm

The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is expected to sign a peace agreement with the Centre government and Assam state government on Friday.

A group of 30 people from ULFA’s pro-talks side arrived in Delhi on Tuesday. They’re here to hopefully finalize talks for a peace deal. The delegation includes 16 actual ULFA members and 14 others from community groups.

Sources say the peace agreement is likely to be signed Friday afternoon. Anup Chetia, the ULFA general secretary, said the 30-member delegation of ULFA and civil society arrived on December 26th. The signing with the Union and Assam governments is scheduled for tomorrow evening.

ULFA was originally formed back in 1979 after protests against undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh. Then in 2011 it split into two factions, with one led by Arabinda Rajkhowa agreeing to unconditional talks with the government. Meanwhile, Paresh Baruah’s faction, now called ULFA Independent, is still against the talks.

The pro-talks faction has sought constitutional and political reforms for protecting the identity and resources of Assam’s indigenous people, including their land rights. The Union government sent a draft agreement in April. Talks between the two sides were held in Delhi in August.

The delegation has had a series of talks with Central government officials since arriving in Delhi before the signing of the peace pact. The Union government has signed peace deals with rebel Bodo, Dimasa, Karbi, and Adivasi outfits in Assam over the last three years. The banned ULFA-Independent would be the only major insurgent outfit in the state once the deal is inked.

National Sports Day: the Assam government holds a state-level bicycle rally

August 29, 2023, 1:01 pm

In honor of the 118th birthday anniversary of hockey icon Major Dhyan Chand, the Assam Sports & Youth Welfare Department on Tuesday organized a state-level cycling rally and early-morning walk on the occasion of the 12th National Sports Day in Guwahati.

Nandita Garlosa, the sports minister for Assam, who attended the bike rally, stated, “In Guwahati, we are celebrating with the rest of India. On the premise of Fit India, we went for a morning walk and a bike ride.

The ‘Indigenous Sports’ program, which aimed to promote regional sports, was also mentioned by the Assam Sports Minister.

On National Sports Day, my greetings to all athletes, the prime minister wrote on X. India takes pride in its citizens’ contributions to the country. On the anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand Ji’s birth, I too pay tribute to him.

National Sports Day is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of Indian athletes and to inspire young people to make a profession out of sports. It serves as a day to promote physical health among Indians and to urge them to take part in sports.

Major Dhyan Chand, an Indian hockey player who won three Olympic gold medals, competed for his country in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 games.

Assam government announces dress code for teachers

May 20, 2023, 5:59 pm

The Assam government issued a notification on Saturday bringing a dress code for teachers in all state-run schools in the state and has banned jeans and leggings, officials said. The Department of School Education of the state government has asked both male and female teachers not to wear T-shirts, jeans, leggings, etc. in schools.

A notification issued by the Department of School Education said that a teacher is expected to be an example of all sorts of decency, especially while discharging their duties; hence, it has become necessary to follow a dress code.

“It has come to the attention of the undersigned that some teachers of educational institutions are found to be in the habit of wearing the dress of their choice, which sometimes does not appear to be acceptable by the public at large. Since a teacher is expected to be an example of all sorts of decency, especially while discharging their duties, it has become necessary to follow a dress code that should reflect a sense of decorum, decency, professionalism, and seriousness of purpose at the workplace,” the notification said.

The department also directed the teachers that both male and female teachers should be dressed up in clean, modest, and decent clothes in sober colours, which should not look flashy. Casual and party apparel should be strictly avoided.

It further said that the above order shall be complied with scrupulously by all concerned, and any deviation from this may invite disciplinary action as per rules. Reacting to this, Assam Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu said that the Assam government is going to introduce a school rule book for all government schools that has broader things about how the school is to be managed and how the classes are to be conducted.

Centre and Assam Government initiate talks with armed militant group KLO

January 21, 2023, 4:00 pm

The government has initiated the process of talks with the armed militant outfit Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO) after its self-styled commander-in-chief Jiban Singha Koch and a few other leaders came out from the Jungle to join the mainstream.

The Assam Chief minister Himanta Bis was Sarma said that it was big news that Jiban Singha Koch has returned to the mainstream. Recently, Koch along with nine other leaders, and members surrendered before the security forces in the Longwa region in Nagaland’s Mon district.

Assam Government wants CBI probe in Assam-Meghalaya border firing incident

November 23, 2022, 7:14 pm

Into the firing incident in the Mukroh area along the Assam-Meghalaya border, the Assam Government has requested the Central government for a CBI probe.

Meanwhile, Assam minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Wednesday requested a CBI probe in which six people were killed in the firing incident.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, “Total of six persons including five from Meghalaya and one Assam Forest Guard killed in the incident.”

“An unfortunate incident occurred at Mukroh village in which six persons died due to firing by Assam Police and Assam forest guards. I want to express my deepest condolences. An inquest was conducted and Meghalaya Police registered FIR. As per the reports, a truck carrying timber was pursued by the Assam forest guards with the Assam Police and was detained by the Assam Police and Assam Forest Guards. On hearing this, people from Mukroh village gathered in large numbers and surrounded the Assam Police and forest guards,” Sangma described the incident.

Earlier, on 22 November the mobile internet services in 7 districts were suspended by the Meghalaya government for 48 hours.

Following the firing incident in Mukroh Assam Congress claimed that this was a “deliberate incident’ and that the Chief Ministers of both states were aware of it.

Assam: 43 Police officers transferred

November 11, 2022, 5:22 pm

Several officers of the Assam police department, the Assam government did a major reshuffle on Friday and transferred many officers.

The Assam state government issued the notification in which it is mentioned that 43 APS officers of the Home (A) department have been transferred to a different state at a different post.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bidyut Das Boro, Additional Superintendent of Police (HQ), Udalguri has been transferred to Hailakandi and posted as Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime).

Ripunjoy Kakoti, Additional Superintendent of Police (HQ), Tinsukia has been transferred to Assam, Ulubari, Guwahati, and posted as Additional Superintendent of Police (CID).

Pallav Tamuli, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Police Commissionerate, Guwahati has been transferred to Hojai and posted as Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime).

Moishumi Kalita, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Security & Intelligence), Police Commissionerate, Guwahati has been transferred to Guwahati and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic – I), Police Commissionerate.

Moreover, 38 APS officers have been promoted to Senior APS Grade-II and transferred and posted to different states of districts and positions.

However, with immediate effects transfers and postings will be implemented.

Assam CM’s three-day Chintan Shivir to start today

September 24, 2022, 12:21 pm

The three-day Chintan Shivir, which is due to start today, will be attended by the Cheif Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as well as all other ministers and senior secretaries of various state government agencies.

The state administration will talk about the departments’ ongoing activities during the brainstorming session. In the shivir, it is probable that the departments’ five-year plans and road map will be prepared.

In August of this year, a cabinet meeting presided over by the CM decided to organise the three-day shivir.

Around 2 pm, the Chief Minister of Assam will attend the Chintan Shivir’s opening session.

All of the BJP’s ministers and legislators from its ally party are likely to attend the Chintan Shivir.