The Indian Army's Directorate of Sainik Welfare has come forward to offer legal assistance to retired subedar Mohammad Sanaullah, who has been declared a 'foreigner' on May 23 by a special tribunal in Assam.

The 52-year old retired subedar since May 29 has been lodged in a detention camp in Goalpara, after the North Kamrup Police took him into their custody after he was declared a foreigner.

The news about Sanaullah's detention created ripples in Assam, which led the Assam unit of the Directorate to contact Sanaullah's wife and it has also approached the state police to meet Sanaullah at the detention camp. The directorate has also contacted two Gauhati High Court lawyers to defend Sanaullah in an appeal.

In a statement issued to the media, the Directorate stated, "It appears that there is confusion on his identity and also the record held with the NRC. Therefore, the individual was guided by DSW, Assam, to approach the Honourable Gauhati High Court against the Tribunal order. In this connection, the undersigned (director, DSW) immediately contacted two good advocates and their help/assistance is being taken."

"This office is in continuous touch with his family members for any assistance and legal support," the statement further added.

It may be mentioned here that Sanaullah's family had already approached another HC lawyer, Aman Wadud, on May 29, the day he was summoned to the police station for failing to prove his Indian citizenship at the Foreigners' Tribunal in Boko circle.