ASSAM

Widespread suspicion about who is and isn't a citizen, heightened by the exclusion of over 19 lakh people from the National Register of Citizens 2019, is fueling a humanitarian crisis in Assam.

असम: भिखारी और मानसिक तौर पर अपंग को CJP ने भारतीय नागरिक साबित कराया

नागरिकता संकट के बीच सुकूर ने फ़ॉरेनर्स ट्रिब्यूनल (Foreigners’ Tribunal) के सामने अपनी नागरिकता साबित कर ली है. उनकी कहानी  ऐसे लोगों के लिए तसल्लीबख़्श है जो अभी  संदिग्ध विदेशी (Suspected foreigner) या विदेशी का नोटिस मिलने के बाद संघर्षों से दो-चार हो रहे हैं. सुकूर का जन्म और परवरिश हिंदुस्तान में हुई है. वो…Read More

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Even beggars and differently abled are not spared by Assam FTs!

Sukur and his story is the most fitting representation of those Indians who are oppressed by state functionaries. Sukur, born and brought up in India, was the only son of Abdul Jalil @ Abdul Jalil Sheikh and Majiran Nessa @ Majiran Bewa. He was born in the village of Kawadi No. 2 (Sonaikhola) under the…Read More

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Stories from Assam

In Assam, being declared a foreigner or excluded from the list of citizens arbitrarily, has meant a civil death for 2.2 million people, with repercussions often engulfing entire families. Since 2017, CJP’s Assam Team has worked in faraway villages and districts to provide real paralegal and legal aid as well as psychological assistance. To feel the depth of the despair and plight of these millions of fellow Indians, we need to have a face, a name, a sketch that tells each individual's unique story. Travel with us in this journey through the pictorial and textual sketches of these people who live under constant threat and trepidation, clutching their documents even as nature’s floods often sweep them away.

Citizenship in Assam:
A game of chance, of snakes and ladders


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NRC

National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a list containing names of Indian citizens of Assam. The NRC was first prepared in 1951, after the Census of 1951. The NRC update of 2014-2016 across Assam includes the names of those persons (or their descendants) who appear in the NRC 1951, or in any of the Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of 24 March 1971 or in any one of the other admissible documents issued up to the midnight of 24 March 1971, which would prove their presence in Assam on or before 24 March 1971.

The NRC (1951) and the Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of 24 March 1971 together are collectively called Legacy data. It is being done with the compliance with section 3 and 6A of Citizenship Act of 1955; the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003 (amended in year 2009); Modalities and Standard Operating Procedure and Judgement Order of Supreme Court. Entire process is being monitored by Supreme Court.

Supreme Court in its order dated 25/10/2013 held the presence of D-Voters in the state doubtful and mentioned that these voters could be included only if the NRC is updated or the Foreigner's Tribunal declare them to be Indian Citizens.



Citizenship in Assam

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CJP Reaches Out

CJP reaches out to the people of Assam who are negotiating a labyrinth of citizenship related issues. After the publication of the NRC over 500 CJP volunteers spread over 19 districts are going from village to village conducting workshops to spread awareness about how to go about defending their citizenship in Foreigners' Tribunals. CJP is also training paralegals to help people during these hearings before Foreigners' Tribunals.

Select District to Know Latest Updates

Assam Map

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After incorrect detention claim, Gauhati HC was informed that Doyjan Bibi was handed over to BSF

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In a crucial development in the ongoing petition filed by Abdul Rejjak, the Gauhati High Court was informed for the first time in writing that the petitioner’s wife, Doyjan Bibi, had been handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) on May 26, 2025, for deportation, contradicting…

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“Bail once granted can’t be ignored”: Gauhati HC seeks legal basis for re-detentions of COVID-era released detainees

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In two closely linked petitions involving allegations of unlawful re-detention of individuals released under COVID-era bail guidelines, the Gauhati High Court this week recorded State admissions of full bail compliance, and directed the Government to file detailed objections by affidavit explaining how such persons can now be…

Gauhati HC seeks verification of bail compliance in writ petition filed by Reijya Khatun for detained husband Majibur Rehman

What We Know So Far: June 20, 2025 In the continued writ petition proceeding filed by Reijya Khatun, the Gauhati High Court on June 20 directed the Foreigners Tribunal (FT) counsel to verify whether Majibur Rehman, her husband, had been complying with weekly police station reporting conditions at the time of his recent re-detention. Appearing…

Gauhati HC orders verification of bail compliance in WP challenging illegal detention of Abdul Sheikh

What We Know So Far: June 20, 2025 In a writ petition raising critical questions about the recent re-detention of individuals previously released under High Court–granted COVID bail, the Gauhati High Court on June 20 directed the Foreigners Tribunal (FT) counsel to send the relevant court order to the Superintendent of Police (Border), Chirang, for…

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Detention Camps

Detention Camps are places where the Assamese who are Declared Foreigners are kept till they are deported. Currently 951 DFs are lodged in 6 detention centers operating out of makeshift facilities in local jails in Goalpara, Kokrajhar, Dhibrugarh, Tezpur, Silchar and Jorhat. These detainees do not possess the same rights as the convicted/charged inmates and aren’t allowed to parole, family visits, and working for a wage. Meanwhile, the government has sanctioned over Rs 40 crores to set up a Detention Camp at Dhakurbhita in Goalpara.

Assam Detention Camps: SC orders swift reunion of detainees with families

In welcome news for families of 47 inmates of Detention Camps in Assam, the Supreme Court has ordered that they be reunited with their families within 7 days. The court has also ordered that the state government stick to deadlines with respect to the completion of the construction of a stand alone Detention Camp in…Read More

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Another Pushback Halted: SC stays deportation of woman declared foreigner, issues notice on challenge to Gauhati HC order

In a significant development amid intensifying concerns over arbitrary deportations in Assam, the Supreme Court today granted interim protection from deportation to Jaynab Bibi, a woman declared a foreigner by a Foreigners Tribunal under Section 2(a) of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The Tribunal’s 2017 declaration had been upheld by the Gauhati High Court earlier this…

After incorrect detention claim, Gauhati HC was informed that Doyjan Bibi was handed over to BSF

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In a crucial development in the ongoing petition filed by Abdul Rejjak, the Gauhati High Court was informed for the first time in writing that the petitioner’s wife, Doyjan Bibi, had been handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) on May 26, 2025, for deportation, contradicting…

“Bail once granted can’t be ignored”: Gauhati HC seeks legal basis for re-detentions of COVID-era released detainees

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In two closely linked petitions involving allegations of unlawful re-detention of individuals released under COVID-era bail guidelines, the Gauhati High Court this week recorded State admissions of full bail compliance, and directed the Government to file detailed objections by affidavit explaining how such persons can now be…

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NRC

National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a list containing names of Indian citizens of Assam. The NRC was first prepared in 1951, after the Census of 1951 to maintain a record of citizens. The Assam Agitation held between 1979- 1985 demanded the expulsion of 'foreigners' from Assam. This led to the updating of the NRC. 3.2 crore people submitted over 68 lakh documents and just over 19 lakh people were left out of the final NRC published on August 31, 2019.

Keep a track of the NRC numbers

33027661
+ Number of Applicants
31121004
+ In the NRC
1906657
+ Citizenship in question

EXCLUSIVE: India’s former President’s kin left out of NRC in Assam

Members of India’s fifth President FA Ahmed have been left out of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Now questions are being raised about the insensate practices followed by the NRC authorities during the update process that failed to consider natural calamities like floods that affect Legacy...Read More

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Another Pushback Halted: SC stays deportation of woman declared foreigner, issues notice on challenge to Gauhati HC order

In a significant development amid intensifying concerns over arbitrary deportations in Assam, the Supreme Court today granted interim protection from deportation to Jaynab Bibi, a woman declared a foreigner by a Foreigners Tribunal under Section 2(a) of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The Tribunal’s 2017 declaration had been upheld by the Gauhati High Court earlier this…

After incorrect detention claim, Gauhati HC was informed that Doyjan Bibi was handed over to BSF

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In a crucial development in the ongoing petition filed by Abdul Rejjak, the Gauhati High Court was informed for the first time in writing that the petitioner’s wife, Doyjan Bibi, had been handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) on May 26, 2025, for deportation, contradicting…

“Bail once granted can’t be ignored”: Gauhati HC seeks legal basis for re-detentions of COVID-era released detainees

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In two closely linked petitions involving allegations of unlawful re-detention of individuals released under COVID-era bail guidelines, the Gauhati High Court this week recorded State admissions of full bail compliance, and directed the Government to file detailed objections by affidavit explaining how such persons can now be…

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Foreigner Tribunals

Foreigners Tribunals are the quasi- judicial bodies responsible for hearing cases with respect to foreigners/non-citizens/D-voters under the Foreigners Act, 1946. There are three ways in which people end up before a Foreigners' Tribunal; the Election Commission marks them Doubtful Voter (D-Voter), the Border Police designates them Suspected Foreigner and refers them to a Foreigners' Tribunal, and now after being excluded from the NRC people are required to defend their Indian citizenship before a Foreigners' Tribunal.

Assam man forced to prove Indian citizenship four times!

Even as Assam gets ready for a draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) that will be released on July 30, 2018, many people, whose cases are still pending before Foreigners’ Tribunals or the Gauhati High Court, will have to wait to have their names cleared before they can be added in the NRC. But as we discovered....Read More

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After incorrect detention claim, Gauhati HC was informed that Doyjan Bibi was handed over to BSF

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In a crucial development in the ongoing petition filed by Abdul Rejjak, the Gauhati High Court was informed for the first time in writing that the petitioner’s wife, Doyjan Bibi, had been handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) on May 26, 2025, for deportation, contradicting…

“Bail once granted can’t be ignored”: Gauhati HC seeks legal basis for re-detentions of COVID-era released detainees

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In two closely linked petitions involving allegations of unlawful re-detention of individuals released under COVID-era bail guidelines, the Gauhati High Court this week recorded State admissions of full bail compliance, and directed the Government to file detailed objections by affidavit explaining how such persons can now be…

Gauhati HC again grants visitation in Torap Ali petition challenging re-detention of uncle as affidavit opposing claims of regular police reporting is filed

What We Know So Far: June 20, 2025 The Gauhati High Court on June 20 allowed Torap Ali, a petitioner from Assam, to again visit his two detained uncles — Abu Bakkar and Akbar Ali — at the Kokrajhar Holding Centre, along with one family member and one advocate. The visitation was granted to enable…

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CJP's Toll Free Number

Until recently, CJP operated a toll free number in four different languages; Assamese, Bengali, English and Hindi, to counsel people across Assam. We received over 12000 calls from distressed people. After publication of the final NRC, the number has been discontinued.

1800 1020 138

Archive: District-wise Exclusion Data

CJP had accessed exclusive district-wise data of people left out of final draft NRC published on July 30, 2018

Declared Foreigner

A Declared Foreigner is a person who has failed to prove his citizenship before a Foreigners’ Tribunal. Names of suspected foreigners and D Voters are referred to FTs who then conduct a trial where the proceedee is required to not only produce documents to prove their citizenship, but also prove the authenticity of the documents. If they fail, the FT designates them Declared Foreigner (DF).

I’m not a smart man, but I know what prison is: Anjaan Musafir

In this edition of our series on how the idea of Indian citizenship is being made and unmade in Assam as the National Register of Citizens is being updated, we bring you the story of Anjaan Musafir*. He is a man who could be India’s answer to DB Cooper, given how he has successfully evaded authorities by...Read More

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Another Pushback Halted: SC stays deportation of woman declared foreigner, issues notice on challenge to Gauhati HC order

In a significant development amid intensifying concerns over arbitrary deportations in Assam, the Supreme Court today granted interim protection from deportation to Jaynab Bibi, a woman declared a foreigner by a Foreigners Tribunal under Section 2(a) of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The Tribunal’s 2017 declaration had been upheld by the Gauhati High Court earlier this…

Gauhati HC again grants visitation in Torap Ali petition challenging re-detention of uncle as affidavit opposing claims of regular police reporting is filed

What We Know So Far: June 20, 2025 The Gauhati High Court on June 20 allowed Torap Ali, a petitioner from Assam, to again visit his two detained uncles — Abu Bakkar and Akbar Ali — at the Kokrajhar Holding Centre, along with one family member and one advocate. The visitation was granted to enable…

Gauhati HC seeks verification of bail compliance in writ petition filed by Reijya Khatun for detained husband Majibur Rehman

What We Know So Far: June 20, 2025 In the continued writ petition proceeding filed by Reijya Khatun, the Gauhati High Court on June 20 directed the Foreigners Tribunal (FT) counsel to verify whether Majibur Rehman, her husband, had been complying with weekly police station reporting conditions at the time of his recent re-detention. Appearing…

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History

The genesis of the NRC is linked to the movement against ‘illegal immigrants’ , ostensibly from Bangladesh. This movement has in turn sparked off violence against these ‘illegal immigrants’. But what is the history of borders between Assam and Bangladesh ? What is the source of this disconent? Watch our maps to see how ‘Assam’ changed over the years.

Assam in Historical Maps

Assam was ruled by various dynasties during the medieval period - the Pala, Koch, Kachari, and Chutiya. The Ahom kingdom established in the 13th century at the upper Assam plain gradually took control over the entire region. Although there was continuous warfare, the kingdom ruled for over 600 years until the 19th century.

The present day Bangladesh and Assam were part of the British India till 1947. Until the idea of border came in, people have moved across this region freely. The British promoted the migration from the Bengal region to Assam for labour in the tea gardens and later for cultivation in the Brahmaputra valley.

  • Bengal Presidency (1826):Assam was included as a part of the Bengal Presidency

  • Chief Commissioner's Province (1874): Assam was separated from Bengal Presidency to for a new province. The Sylhet region of East Bengal is added to the Assam region.

  • Chief Commissioner's Province (1905): Bengal was partitioned and the East Bengal region was added to the existing Chief Commissioner's Province.

  • Chief Commissioner's Province (1911): Facing the backlash, the British revoke the the Bengal partition. Sylhet remains with Assam

  • Assam (1947): Assam post Independence. Sylhet joins Bangladesh. Present day Arunachal Pradesh is added to Assam in 1937

D Voter

D voters are people whose position as voters is doubtful owing to lack of their ability to produce proper citizenship credentials. The Election Commission started classifying citizens as D voter in 1997. The Border Police would refer suspected foreigners to Foreigners’ Tribunals following which there would be a trial where they would be required to prove that they are genuine citizens. So far 2,44,144 people had been marked as D Voters till December 31, 2017. 1,31,034 cases had been disposed off and 1,13,110 cases were still pending.

ASSAM ARCHIVE ON CITIZENSHIP

भला एक 8 साल का बच्चा ‘संदिग्ध वोटर’ कैसे हो सकता है ?

Tमोनुवर हुसैन, एक 8 साल का मेधावी छात्र है जो अभी दूसरी कक्षा में है और पढ़ना-लिखना, गिनती करना, यहाँ तक की सरल जोड़ना घटाना भी जानता है. मगर ऐसा प्रतीत हो रहा है कि असम का राज्य तंत्र मोनुवर को ‘विभाजन’ सिखाने में तुला हुआ है. जुलाई 2018 में मोनुवर का नाम डी-वोटर यानी ‘संदिग्ध वोटरों’ की सूची में पाया गया! जबकि अगले दस साल तक...Read More

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Relentless Pursuit of Justice: CJP’s Advocacy for Citizenship Rights in Assam

In 2024, CJP’s committed team in Assam remained steadfast in defending marginalized communities impacted by the citizenship crisis. From assisting individuals in reclaiming their citizenship and securing releases from detention camps to protecting vital documents during devastating floods, our mission remains resolute. Watch how CJP supports those abandoned by the system, helping them reclaim their…

CJP Victory! How we Keep Fighting for Marginalized Women’s Rights in Assam

Women in Assam are disproportionately affected by the citizenship crisis, labeled as ‘D-voters’ and ‘doubtful foreigners,’ forced to fight for their identity. CJP’s tireless efforts have led to incredible victories for women like Jamila Khatoon, Sarathi Arjya, and Ranjina Bibi, restoring their Indian citizenship. But many more need help. Watch this powerful story and join…

28 Bengali Muslims Detained as “Foreigners” in Assam’s Barpeta

On September 2, 2024, 28 Bengali Muslims were forcibly detained in Assam’s Barpeta district and labeled “declared foreigners.” Taken to the infamous Matia detention camp, their families were left behind in anguish.   Related: CJP impact! Amidst rampant systemic prejudice in Assam, CJP secures justice for Ranjina Bibi and her family Supreme Court Restores Justice…

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Judiciary on Assam

The Supreme Court is monitoring the NRC update process through the Registrar General of India. Over a period of time, the SC and Gauhati High Court have issued many orders on the NRC and citizenship issues. We present here a primer on how the judiciary has looked at the issue of citizenship and NRCs

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After incorrect detention claim, Gauhati HC was informed that Doyjan Bibi was handed over to BSF

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In a crucial development in the ongoing petition filed by Abdul Rejjak, the Gauhati High Court was informed for the first time in writing that the petitioner’s wife, Doyjan Bibi, had been handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) on May 26, 2025, for deportation, contradicting…

“Bail once granted can’t be ignored”: Gauhati HC seeks legal basis for re-detentions of COVID-era released detainees

What We Know So Far: June 26, 2025 In two closely linked petitions involving allegations of unlawful re-detention of individuals released under COVID-era bail guidelines, the Gauhati High Court this week recorded State admissions of full bail compliance, and directed the Government to file detailed objections by affidavit explaining how such persons can now be…

Gauhati HC again grants visitation in Torap Ali petition challenging re-detention of uncle as affidavit opposing claims of regular police reporting is filed

What We Know So Far: June 20, 2025 The Gauhati High Court on June 20 allowed Torap Ali, a petitioner from Assam, to again visit his two detained uncles — Abu Bakkar and Akbar Ali — at the Kokrajhar Holding Centre, along with one family member and one advocate. The visitation was granted to enable…

Read On

Documents & Judgments

Browse through all NRC related documents here