3 Things Assam’s Expulsion Act, Raipur's vandalism row, and ED raids climate group
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Jan 7, 2026 Sukrita Baruah, a journalist at The Indian Express specializing in Assam and the Northeast, discusses the revival of the Immigrants Expulsion from Assam Act from 1950 and its implications for declared foreigners. Jayprakash S Naidu, covering Chhattisgarh, dives into the recent vandalism of Christmas decorations at Raipur's Magneto Mall, linking it to a burial dispute and communal tensions. Together, they touch on the ED's investigations into climate advocacy funding, raising concerns over foreign influence on energy policy.
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Origins Of The 1950 Expulsion Act
- The Immigrants Expulsion from Assam Act 1950 was enacted amid post-Partition demographic anxieties and used briefly in 1950.
- Jawaharlal Nehru halted its use within six weeks citing risks to minority protections under the Liaquat-Nehru understanding.
The Limbo Of Declared Foreigners
- Declared foreigners in Assam face a liminal legal status because FTs often find lack of documentation but not definitive proof of foreign nationality.
- Deportation requires diplomatic verification, making formal removals a prolonged, Kafkaesque process.
Act Revived To Speed Up Expulsions
- Assam's government has revived the 1950 Act and framed an SOP allowing district commissioners to issue 24-hour expulsion orders.
- Officials aim to bypass diplomatic channels and expedite expulsions, targeting thousands per year ahead of elections.