Is Illegal Infiltration a Demographic Threat? AASU Protests
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Synopsis
On September 4, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) staged a significant 11-hour hunger strike across Assam to highlight the systematic demographic changes that threaten the identity of indigenous communities. The protest brought together voices from all districts, emphasizing key demands and raising concerns over recent immigration policies.
Key Takeaways
- AASU organized an 11-hour hunger strike across Assam.
- Protesters highlighted demographic changes threatening indigenous communities.
- Key demands included the eviction of illegal immigrants and full implementation of the Assam Accord.
- The organization opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
- Criticism was directed at the government for lack of engagement with local communities.
Guwahati, Sep 4 (NationPress) The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) conducted an 11-hour hunger strike on Thursday across Assam, protesting what they termed as “systematic demographic alterations” that pose a threat to the identity and survival of the indigenous populations in the region.
The demonstration, which commenced at 6 a.m., was organized simultaneously in all district headquarters, with the principal sit-in occurring at Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati.
Protesters expressed their disapproval of the Centre’s recent immigration directive and asserted that Assam “will not endorse any categorization of foreigners based on their religion.”
AASU leaders emphasized that the protest focused on several core demands: the expulsion of illegal immigrants regardless of their faith, full enforcement of the Assam Accord, sealing of the international borders of the state, and exempting Assam from the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Utpal Sharma, a leader spearheading the protest, accused the government of leveraging “numerical strength to muffle indigenous voices.”
He stated, “Regardless of being Hindu or Muslim, foreigners have no rightful place in Assam. The Centre must guarantee that Assam does not continue to endure demographic pressure.”
Sharma further questioned the rationale behind the state government’s recent recognition of five youths, who lost their lives during the anti-CAA agitation, as martyrs.
“Were their sacrifices intended to legitimize granting citizenship to foreigners?” he inquired. The student organization also criticized what they described as a “biased approach,” highlighting that while four northeastern states and eight districts of Assam benefit from certain immigration exemptions, the remainder of Assam continues to suffer due to unchecked migration.
Reaffirming its enduring opposition to the CAA and associated legislation, AASU declared its intent to resist policies “imposed without engaging the people of Assam.”
The group has called for the repeal of the newly enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, in Assam, contending that the state’s border realities necessitate a distinct policy framework.
This hunger strike unfolds amid escalating political tensions regarding immigration, with AASU cautioning that neglecting indigenous concerns could incite further unrest.
Point of View
The concerns raised by AASU reflect a broader discourse on immigration and identity. It is crucial for the government to engage with local communities and address these demographic challenges thoughtfully, ensuring that policies are inclusive and consider the voices of all stakeholders involved.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AASU's primary concern?
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) is primarily concerned about systematic demographic changes that threaten the identity and existence of indigenous communities in Assam.
What demands were made during the protest?
AASU demanded the eviction of illegal immigrants regardless of religion, full implementation of the Assam Accord, sealing of international borders, and exemption from the Citizenship Amendment Act.
What criticism did AASU have regarding the government?
AASU criticized the government for using numerical strength to silence indigenous voices and for implementing policies without consulting the people of Assam.
How does AASU view the recent Immigration and Foreigners Act?
AASU demands the repeal of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, asserting that Assam's border realities necessitate a separate policy framework.
What was the significance of the hunger strike?
The hunger strike is a call to action against perceived threats to indigenous identity and a protest against the government's immigration policies.
