Assam Government Drops Pre-2015 Non-Muslim Foreigners' Cases Amid CAA Implementation

The Assam government has directed districts to cease pending cases against non-Muslim illegal immigrants before 2015 per the Citizenship Amendment Act. This measure follows a meeting discussing the Foreigners Tribunal and CAA implications. The focus is on encouraging these foreigners to seek Indian citizenship, while removing specific communities from scrutiny.

The Assam government has mandated all districts to halt ongoing cases against suspected non-Muslim illegal immigrants who entered the state before 2015. This directive aligns with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, as confirmed by a signed directive from Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Political) Ajay Tewari on July 22.

District commissioners and senior superintendents of police have been instructed to assess the status of these foreigners, including those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Rohingya communities. An internal meeting via video conference on July 17 laid the groundwork for these changes, though the details have not been made public yet.

Under the amendments, Foreigners Tribunals are to dismiss cases involving individuals from certain communities, such as Hindus and Christians, who entered before December 31, 2014. Officials are encouraged to guide these individuals in applying for Indian citizenship. In addition, the government has instructed the withdrawal of cases involving the Gorkha and Koch Rajbongshi communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)