Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made a definitive statement on the long-standing issue of ‘D’ (Doubtful) voters, asserting that “anyone who came before 1971 is 100 per cent Indian.” The remark, made during a press briefing in Guwahati on September 9, 2025, signals a major shift in the state’s approach to resolving citizenship disputes and clearing the backlog of D-Voter cases.
Sarma confirmed that the majority of D-Voter cases—individuals whose citizenship status is under question—are now close to resolution, thanks to a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) activated under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950. The SOP empowers district authorities to fast-track hearings and issue expulsion orders for those unable to prove Indian citizenship, particularly those who entered Assam after the cut-off date of March 24, 1971, as defined in the Assam Accord.
Assam CM’s Key Statement on Citizenship and D-Voters
| Quote | Context |
|---|---|
| “Anyone who came before 1971 is 100 per cent Indian.” | On citizenship status under Assam Accord |
| “There is no reason to suspect Hindu Bengalis as foreigners.” | On community-specific concerns |
| “The CAA has no relevance in Assam.” | On Citizenship Amendment Act’s applicability |
| “We are close to resolving most D-Voter cases.” | On administrative progress |
Sarma’s remarks aim to reassure communities affected by decades of legal uncertainty and to clarify the state’s position on citizenship verification.
Understanding D-Voters in Assam
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| D-Voter (Doubtful Voter) | Individuals whose citizenship is under question |
| Introduced By | Election Commission of India (1997) |
| Legal Status | Barred from voting or contesting elections |
| Resolution Path | Foreigners Tribunal (FT) hearings |
| Impact | Families split between citizens and D-Voters |
D-Voters are marked during electoral roll verification when citizenship documents are found lacking or inconsistent. Their cases are referred to Foreigners Tribunals for final adjudication.
New SOP Under Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Activation Date | September 9, 2025 |
| Authority Empowered | Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) |
| Proof Submission Window | 10 days |
| Expulsion Timeline | 24 hours after order |
| Digital Records | Biometric data uploaded to Foreigners Identification Portal |
| Pending Cases Targeted | Over 82,000 statewide |
The SOP is designed to expedite the resolution of citizenship disputes while maintaining digital accountability and legal transparency.
Assam Accord and Citizenship Cut-Off
| Agreement | Assam Accord |
|---|---|
| Signed | August 15, 1985 |
| Cut-Off Date | March 24, 1971 |
| Purpose | Identify and deport illegal immigrants |
| Basis for Citizenship | Residency before cut-off date |
The Assam Accord remains the cornerstone of citizenship determination in the state, and Sarma’s reaffirmation of its principles is seen as a move to uphold regional sentiments.
CAA and Immigration Exemption Order: Assam’s Position
| Law/Order | Assam CM’s View |
|---|---|
| Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) | “Not relevant in Assam” |
| Immigration & Foreigners’ Exemption Order, 2025 | “No applications from Hindu Bengalis” |
| Citizenship Applications Filed | Only 12; 3 granted |
Sarma clarified that Hindu Bengalis who arrived before 1971 consider themselves Indian citizens and have not sought citizenship under the CAA.
D-Voter Case Resolution Progress
| Metric | Status |
|---|---|
| Total Pending Cases | 82,000+ |
| Cases Resolved (2025) | Estimated 65,000+ |
| Remaining Cases | Under active review |
| Tribunal Referrals | For unresolved or disputed cases |
| Detention Orders | Issued only after final FT verdict |
The government aims to complete biometric profiling and legal hearings for all pending cases by early 2026.
Political and Social Reactions
| Stakeholder | Response |
|---|---|
| Opposition Parties | Accused Centre of undermining Assam Accord |
| AASU (All Assam Students’ Union) | Criticised extension of cut-off dates under CAA |
| Civil Rights Groups | Raised concerns over due process and documentation gaps |
| Local Communities | Welcomed clarity on pre-1971 citizenship status |
While Sarma’s statement has eased anxieties for many, critics warn of risks in fast-tracking expulsions without adequate safeguards.
Challenges in D-Voter Resolution
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Documentation Gaps | Many lack birth or land records |
| Split Families | Some members marked D-Voters, others citizens |
| Detention Centers | Legal limbo for years without resolution |
| Tribunal Backlogs | Delay in final verdicts for thousands of cases |
The SOP aims to address these challenges by streamlining hearings and digitizing records.
Conclusion: Assam Moves Toward Citizenship Clarity, But Questions Remain
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s declaration that “anyone who came before 1971 is 100 per cent Indian” marks a pivotal moment in Assam’s decades-long citizenship debate. With the activation of the 1950 Act and a new SOP, the state is accelerating the resolution of D-Voter cases and reaffirming the Assam Accord’s cut-off date as the guiding principle.
While the move brings relief to thousands, concerns over due process, documentation, and community impact persist. As Assam navigates this complex terrain, the balance between legal efficiency and human rights will define the success of its citizenship roadmap.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified legal frameworks, and news reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, political, or immigration advice. All policy details and administrative actions are subject to change based on official notifications.
