The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has raised serious concerns over what it described as racial discrimination against Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, flagging exclusions during the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, forced evictions, hate speech, and the alleged excessive use of force by law-enforcement agencies.

In a letter dated January 19, 2026, addressed to India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, the Committee said it regretted the “lack of information” provided by the Indian government in response to an earlier communication sent on May 12, 2025, which sought clarification on alleged human rights violations faced by the community in the northeastern state.

The UN body acknowledged India’s response regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 and the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, noting the government’s claim that the legislative framework does not prevent eligible foreigners from applying for Indian citizenship through registration or naturalisation. However, CERD said this response failed to address the core allegations of discriminatory practices during the NRC update in Assam.

Disproportionate Exclusions and ‘Non-Original Inhabitants’

CERD expressed concern over reports that Bengali-speaking Muslims were disproportionately excluded from Assam’s final NRC list due to procedural irregularities and administrative shortcomings. These reportedly included difficulties in procuring legacy documents, stricter verification standards, and the classification of many residents as “non-original inhabitants.”

The Committee noted that the term “non-original inhabitants” lacks a clear legal definition, raising concerns about its arbitrary application. It also flagged the suspension of Foreigners’ Tribunal proceedings during the NRC update, which allegedly prevented those marked as “doubtful voters” from contesting their status, effectively barring them from inclusion in the citizenship register.

Civil rights groups have long argued that these processes placed an unequal and disproportionate burden on Bengali-speaking Muslims, many of whom are economically marginalised and historically displaced due to recurrent floods and erosion along the Brahmaputra River.

Forced Evictions and Displacement

The UN committee said it was troubled by allegations that the Assam government has carried out systematic forced evictions targeting Bengali-speaking Muslim families across several districts, without providing adequate alternative housing or compensation.

Over the past few years, eviction drives framed by state authorities as anti-encroachment measures have displaced thousands, often citing environmental protection or land reclamation. Human rights organisations, however, say these actions have disproportionately affected Muslim communities and were carried out in violation of international human rights standards.

Hate Speech and Excessive Use of Force

CERD further noted the absence of information from the Indian government regarding allegations of a rise in hate speech and incitement to violence against Bengali-speaking Muslims, particularly during the 2024 national elections in Assam.

The Committee also referred to claims of violent attacks by civilians and organised groups in mid-2024, which allegedly endangered the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of the community.

Additionally, CERD raised concerns over reports of the excessive and lethal use of force by law-enforcement agencies, resulting in recurrent killings and injuries. It said it had not received sufficient information on investigations, prosecutions, or accountability mechanisms related to these incidents.

UN Seeks Detailed Explanation From India

Invoking Article 9(1) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Committee has asked India to provide detailed information on steps taken to address these allegations during the presentation of its 20th and 21st periodic reports.

The communication adds to growing international scrutiny over the treatment of minorities in Assam, particularly in relation to citizenship verification, land rights, and law enforcement practices in the state.