New Delhi: A controversy has erupted in Assam after state authorities forcibly pushed back an indigenous Muslim woman, Sakina Begum, into Bangladesh, labeling her a foreigner despite her belonging to the Goria Muslim community, which the Assam government itself recognizes as indigenous.
Sakina, a resident of Bardkura village in Nalbari district, was reportedly taken away by police under the pretext of signing papers at the local station. Without a full inquiry, she was declared a Bangladeshi and sent across the border. Her family and community leaders have demanded her immediate return, calling the act a gross violation of justice.
Advocate Mir Arif Iqbal Hussain, leader of the Assam Goria Jatiya Parishad, condemned the move, saying, “Sakina Begum is an indigenous Muslim of Assam. Declaring her Bangladeshi and pushing her into Bangladesh is unlawful and dangerous. She is not safe there and risks arrest by Bangladeshi authorities.”
Reports indicate that the Assam government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has adopted a policy of pushing back suspected foreigners rather than placing them in detention camps. Rights activists argue that this practice unfairly targets Muslims, particularly from communities like the Goria, who have centuries-old roots in Assam.
Sakina’s family insists she has no ties to Bangladesh. Locals point out that the Goria community does not even speak fluent Bengali, further proving their Assamese identity. The case has heightened fears among indigenous Muslims that more such incidents may follow.
Community leaders have appealed to both the state and central governments to take immediate steps to bring Sakina back and to stop wrongful pushbacks of Indian citizens.
