New Delhi: Sixty-three Muslims in Assam are facing the threat of deportation following a directive from the Indian Supreme Court, which instructed the state government to initiate their expulsion.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, families of those detained at the Matia detention center in Goalpara district have contested the allegations of being Bangladeshi foreigners, asserting their Indian citizenship. The court criticized the state’s failure to deport the detainees, all Muslims, who the Assam government labeled as “Bangladeshi nationals” in a recent affidavit. The government cited the lack of foreign addresses from the detainees as a reason for the delay.

Contrary to the state’s claims, the detainees reportedly have established lives and families in India. A report by India-based Scroll.in revealed that 20 of the detainees have filed legal challenges against the Foreigner’s Tribunal’s designation of them as “foreigners” in various courts, including the Supreme Court.

The report documented evidence provided by the families of seven detainees, who disputed the foreigner label by presenting documents, legacy data, and records of their ancestors’ presence in India for generations. They possess land titles and voter list entries, with six out of the seven having been included in the 2019 National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

Among the detainees is Sirajul Haque from Barpeta district, who was detained last year, 21 years after being declared an illegal immigrant. His brother, Abdul Majid, questioned the foreigner designation, citing family history and electoral participation dating back to 1989.

Majid emphasized that his brother had been verified by NRC authorities and included in the 2019 NRC. He challenged the state’s claim of Bangladeshi origin, stating that the family has no ties to Bangladesh.

The family of Haque has taken legal action by approaching the Gauhati High Court to contest the tribunal’s order, incurring significant legal expenses. Similarly, Ishab Ali, recently released on bail, expressed concern over potential re-arrest, despite his inclusion in the 2019 NRC.

Family members of other detainees, including Jahedul Islam, Makbul Hussain, Ketab Ali, and Ibrahim Ali, have also presented documentary evidence to counter the allegations of foreign origin. Three of these individuals were part of the NRC, further complicating the state’s claims.