Movement Against Illegal Migrants in Assam: Genesis, Government Interventions and Challenges

Abstract

Assam has recorded waves of migration throughout the history. A different group of people have arrived in Assam from different places since prehistoric times. However, migration in the last century has brought many challenges to the state. The early migrants identify themselves as the indigenous groups, whereas modern migrants have been recognised as migrants only and are considered as burden to the indigenous people. The problem has gone more extensive with the post-independence migration, which is considered 'alien' or illegal migrants as per the law. The inflow of illegal migrants has continued, and the ethnic clashes have continued to increase in the state. Many political movements have pressurised the government to address the issue by identifying and deporting the infiltrators from the Assam. The government had formulated specific policies to address the issue of illegal migration; however, it could not be addressed thoroughly. This article looks into the illegal migrant issue in Assam, the policies and interventions by the government for addressing the matter and the challenges ahead.