Guwahati, 29 March (HS): A special lecture on “Assam’s Changing Demography: Impact of Illegal Immigration on Security, Society and Identity” was held on Sunday afternoon at the Sangh Sadhak Madhukar Limaye Bhawan in Alok Bhawan, Bharalumukh. The programme was organised by the Centre for North East Studies.

The lecture featured Professor Nandita Saikia, a public health and mortality expert from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, as the keynote speaker. The session was conducted by Arupa Barthakur, a member of the study group.

In her address, Prof. Saikia elaborated on several significant aspects of demographic changes in Assam. She discussed the historical background of migration, current estimates of illegal infiltration, the processes behind settlement, and its social implications. She also highlighted potential future challenges and the role of Assamese society in addressing the issue.

Describing Assam as historically a land of migrants, she traced the causes and patterns of migration from the pre-independence period to the present. She emphasized that the issue of illegal immigration is not limited to Assam or the Northeast, but is also linked to national security, sovereignty, and the preservation of indigenous identities across India.

Prof. Saikia pointed out that illegal infiltration has contributed to socio-cultural imbalances and posed challenges to local language and traditions. She stressed the need for a “correct and updated NRC” and underlined the importance of both government intervention and active participation of civil society in resolving the issue.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Kalpana Bora, Head of the Department of Physics at Gauhati University, while Chinmoy Kishore recited the Shanti Mantra. The event witnessed the presence of a large number of attendees.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash