Assam Government Calls 1971 Cut-Off for Illegal Migrants a Historical Mistake

In a recent assembly session, the Assam government criticized the 1971 cut-off year for identifying illegal migrants, calling it a historical mistake. This statement emerged during a discussion led by BJP MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, who proposed a resolution aimed at addressing evacuee properties and land rights for affected families. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika emphasized the ongoing challenges of migration in Assam and questioned the rationale behind the 1971 cut-off, suggesting that it unfairly singles out Assam compared to the rest of the country. The government has committed to reviewing the matter further.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2026, 09:53 IST

Discussion on Illegal Migration in Assam

File image of Assam Legislative Assembly during a session. (Photo: X)

Guwahati, July 25: The Assam government has declared that establishing 1971 as the cut-off year for identifying illegal migrants in the state is a significant mistake.

This statement was made during a debate on a resolution proposed by BJP MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha on Friday.

The resolution aimed to publish detailed information regarding evacuee properties in Assam, provide land titles (pattas) to landless families and those affected by the Partition, and create a robust policy to prevent revenue loss while ensuring effective land use.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika stated that Assam has been dealing with the consequences of migration from what was once East Pakistan and later Bangladesh since the time of Independence. He noted that while some individuals of Bangladeshi origin had settled in Assam before 1947 or 1950, a significant number arrived after that.

Hazarika emphasized that the state has had to manage the influx of migrants post-1950 and criticized the Congress party for endorsing 1971 as the cut-off year in the Assam Accord. He affirmed that the BJP opposes the 1971 cut-off.

Challenging the logic of the 1971 cut-off, Hazarika questioned, “Why should Assam be the only state with 1971 as the cut-off date when the rest of the nation adheres to 1951?”

He acknowledged the significance of the issue raised in Purkayastha's resolution and assured the assembly that the government would look into it.

After the minister's commitment, Purkayastha withdrew the resolution with the assembly's consent.