‘Threat to Identity and Security’: Amit Shah Raises Alarm Over Infiltration in Assam

Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that Assam's population profile shifted under 20 years of Congress rule, and warned that seven districts are now "dominated by 64 lakh infiltrators." Shah told voters that only the BJP can stop infiltration and urged them to return the party to power in the coming Assembly polls.

Speaking at a rally in Dhemaji, near the Arunachal Pradesh border, Shah argued that the BJP is the only party that can reverse alleged demographic changes in the state. Shah said that the Narendra Modi government and the Assam BJP government are working together on multiple measures to address what Shah described as infiltration.

Assam Assembly elections infiltration focus in Shah's warning

Shah listed seven districts which, according to Shah, have seen large-scale settlement by infiltrators. "Our seven districts - Dhubri, Barpeta, Darrang, Morigaon, Bongaigaon, Nagaon and Goalpara - have become dominated by infiltrators. Within twenty years of Congress rule, these seven districts, which previously had no infiltrator population, now have a population of 64 lakh. If we want to stop the infiltrators, what do we have to do?" he said.

Shah also asked people not to confront infiltrators directly, and instead to back the BJP at the ballot box. "I am not saying that the people should take up arms and go to the border to stop the infiltrators. Himanta Biswa Sarma's government will do this work. Don't worry. But if you want to stop the infiltrators, then in the upcoming elections, once again, give your support to the BJP. Elect a BJP government here," he said.

Government steps on Assam Assembly elections infiltration issues

Detailing steps taken by the BJP administration, Shah said two consecutive BJP governments in Assam had cleared large chunks of land from what Shah called encroachment by infiltrators. According to Shah, around 1.26 lakh acres were freed, and these actions formed part of a wider strategy by the Narendra Modi government to respond to demographic concerns.

Shah drew attention to the role of the Mising community in Upper Assam, describing the group as central to preventing illegal settlement in that region. Praising their lifestyle, Shah said their everyday work acted like a shield against infiltration. "It is the responsibility of the Mising community to stop infiltration. You don't need to pick up guns. Because of your hardworking culture, infiltrators have not been able to come to this side," Shah said.

Arguing that several tribal groups struggled to protect their cultural identity during the Congress era, Shah contrasted that period with current policy. Shah said the BJP-led government intends to address concerns of the Mising community and mentioned that the Centre has appointed an interlocutor to speak with community representatives and handle their issues.

Shah's comments also came against the backdrop of the next Assam Assembly elections, likely in March-April this year. Assam has 126 Assembly seats. The BJP has governed the state since 2016 and is seeking a third straight term, while the Congress hopes to regain control from the BJP.