Assamese groups in Mumbai commend govt for NRC

While there is concern for the fate of 40 lakh people in Assam who have been left out of the state’s National Register of Citizens (NRC), Assamese groups in the city believe the move may help tackle the problem of illegal migrants entering their state.

While there is concern for the fate of 40 lakh people in Assam who have been left out of the state’s National Register of Citizens (NRC), Assamese groups in the city believe the move may help tackle the problem of illegal migrants entering their state.

People wait to check their names on the first draft of the National Register of Citizens at Goroimari of Kamrup district in Assam.(AFP File Photo)

“There has been constant infiltration in the state even after the accord was signed with the Central government in 1983,” said Nayan Jyoti Bhuyan, general secretary, Gagana – Assamese People’s Association.

“There was a six-year-long demonstration that was held before the accord was signed, saying that the local people need to have recognition in the state. We welcome the decision taken by the government because it is for the betterment of Assam,” Bhuyan added.

Bhuyan explained that the inflow of migrants has led to a change in the demographics of the state, which is why Assamese speakers and native tribes have been demanding documentation of the state’s residents.

There have been constant clashes between the native Assamese and migrants, including the 1983 killings that claimed over 3,000 lives.

However, the Assamese groups reiterated that those who have legacy data documents (1951 NRC and Electoral Rolls up to midnight of March 24, 1971) in the state need not be worried.

They pointed out that people will be able to procure the details regarding their citizenship through an online procedure.

Deepankar Borgohain, general secretary of The Assam Association Mumbai, said that in the earlier draft, the records of his father-in-law were not displayed.

But, after giving details about his ancestors, his request was considered.

“Out of the 40 lakh people who have been left out of the NRC list, 90% of them would be Bangladeshi immigrants who would have come to Assam to work as labourers, which is why the move would further have a socio-economic impact,” said Borgohain.