West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned the issuance of a Foreigners' Tribunal notice by Assam authorities to a resident of West Bengal, calling it a direct attack on democratic principles. Speaking at a public event, Banerjee termed the move a "systematic assault on democracy" and warned that such incidents could lead to widespread fear and unrest among the people of India.
The controversy erupted after a man from Cooch Behar district in West Bengal reportedly received a notice from Assam's Foreigners' Tribunal, asking him to prove his citizenship status. The tribunal functions under the framework of the National Register of Citizens and is primarily intended to address cases of suspected illegal immigrants residing in Assam. The fact that a West Bengal resident was issued such a notice has triggered a political storm and raised questions about jurisdiction and process.
Mamata Banerjee accused the central government and the ruling BJP of misusing administrative tools to harass citizens and create a climate of insecurity. She alleged that the Foreigners' Tribunal process, originally designed for a specific context in Assam, is now being extended beyond its intended scope without proper legal basis. Banerjee questioned how an Indian citizen residing in West Bengal could be issued a notice by an Assam tribunal and demanded an immediate explanation from the Home Ministry.
She further said that this incident is not an isolated case, but part of a larger pattern where people, especially those from minority and marginalised communities, are being unfairly targeted in the name of citizenship verification. Banerjee reaffirmed her commitment to protecting the rights of all Indian citizens residing in West Bengal and declared that her government would provide legal support to the affected individual.
The Chief Minister warned that such incidents could damage the social fabric and lead to unrest. She said the people of West Bengal will not tolerate such actions and vowed to take the matter up at the national level. Opposition leaders and civil society organisations have also voiced concern over the development, urging the government to ensure that constitutional rights are not violated.
In response, officials from Assam stated that the issuance of the notice may have been an administrative error or a case of mistaken identity, and that the matter would be looked into. However, the explanation did little to ease tensions, as political leaders continued to raise doubts about the procedural fairness and intent behind such actions.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the issue, questioning the jurisdiction of the Assam Foreigners' Tribunal over residents of other states. They pointed out that if such practices continue unchecked, it could set a dangerous precedent for citizenship verification procedures across the country.
As public outcry grows, Mamata Banerjee has called for nationwide awareness and vigilance. She urged the central government to take immediate corrective steps and avoid turning legal frameworks into tools of fear and division. The incident remains under political and legal scrutiny, with wider implications for citizenship policies and inter-state administrative boundaries.
