The article discusses a recent crackdown by the Assam government which has forcibly repatriated hundreds of Muslims to Bangladesh, escalating ethnic tensions in the region. Ufa Ali, a 67-year-old bicycle mechanic, recounts his traumatic experience during this operation, which is part of a broader effort by the BJP-led state government to address issues of illegal immigration. The situation is exacerbated by historical tensions between Bengali-speaking migrants and Indigenous Assamese speakers, with the ruling party adopting a more aggressive stance since 2016 to safeguard 'native' interests.
Ali's harrowing ordeal highlights the tensions in Assam, where a government crackdown on declared foreign nationals has resulted in the forced return of Muslim residents to Bangladesh.
The Assam government has intensified its efforts to push back migrants, as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasizes a proactive approach to 'save the state' from perceived threats.
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