Asustamata

Asustamata is a term used in the context of the Indian state of Assam, particularly in the context of the Assam Accord of 1985. It refers to the process of identifying and deporting illegal immigrants from Assam, who are believed to have entered the state undocumented. The term is derived from the Assamese words "asustha" meaning "illegal" and "mata" meaning "motherland."

The concept of asustamata gained prominence during the 1970s and 1980s when there were concerns about a large influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, into Assam. The Assam Accord, signed between the Government of India and the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), aimed to address these concerns by establishing a process for identifying and deporting illegal immigrants.

The process of asustamata involves several steps, including the collection of documents to prove citizenship, the verification of these documents, and the deportation of those found to be illegal immigrants. The term has become a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it is discriminatory and targeted at specific communities, particularly Muslims, while supporters argue that it is necessary to maintain the demographic integrity of Assam.

The Assam Accord has been amended several times, and the process of asustamata has evolved over the years. However, the issue remains a sensitive and politically charged topic in Assam. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) update in Assam, which was initiated in 2013, is a more recent example of the government's efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration. The NRC update has also been a source of controversy, with many applicants facing difficulties in proving their citizenship.