The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has raised concerns over the treatment of Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, pointing to alleged racial discrimination during the National Register of Citizens process, forced evictions, hate speech, and excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies.
In a letter dated January 19, 2026, sent to India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, the Committee said it was dissatisfied with the response provided by the Indian government to its earlier communication of May 12, 2025. The UN body said the reply failed to address most of the concerns raised about alleged rights violations faced by the community in Assam.
The Committee noted that while India shared information related to the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 and the Citizenship Amendment Rules 2024, it did not adequately respond to allegations of discrimination against Bengali-speaking Muslims during the NRC update. It expressed concern that many were excluded from the final NRC list due to procedural lapses, administrative failures, and difficulties in accessing required documents.
The UN panel also flagged the classification of Bengali-speaking Muslims as “non original inhabitants,” stating that the term lacks a clear definition and has had a disproportionate impact on the community. It said stricter verification standards were allegedly applied to them compared to those considered original inhabitants. The suspension of Foreigners Tribunal proceedings was also criticised, as it reportedly prevented people marked as doubtful voters from challenging their status.
The Committee further expressed concern over reports of systematic forced evictions carried out by the Assam government across several districts. It said these evictions allegedly took place without proper housing alternatives or compensation and disproportionately affected Bengali-speaking Muslim families.
The UN body also raised alarm over an increase in hate speech and incitement to violence against the community, particularly during the 2024 national elections in Assam. It noted allegations of excessive and even lethal use of force by police, along with violent attacks by civilians and organised groups that endangered lives and safety.
Calling on the Indian government to act, the Committee said, “The State Party should adopt all necessary measures to protect the rights of the Bengali speaking Muslims in Assam and address the concerns set out in the Committee’s earlier letter.”
The Committee has asked India to provide detailed information on steps taken to prevent racial discrimination, stop forced evictions, ensure rehabilitation and compensation, curb hate speech, and investigate allegations of police violence. These details have been requested as part of India’s upcoming periodic reports to the UN.
Reaffirming its position, the Committee said it remains willing to continue constructive dialogue with the Government of India to ensure effective implementation of the international convention against racial discrimination.
