Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has projected that between three to six lakh individuals will seek citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in the State. This estimation comes in the wake of the Central Government’s recent notification of the CAA.
Addressing the aftermath of the National Register of Citizens-NRC exercise, CM Himanta highlighted that a significant number of Bengali-speaking Hindus, indigenous Assamese, and Gorkhas were excluded from the NRC, with many possessing valid citizenship documents. Out of these, he anticipates that a substantial portion will opt to apply for citizenship under the CAA.
Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, CM Himanta noted, “Many people omitted from the NRC exercise possess valid citizenship documents and may opt for the Foreigners Tribunal instead of applying under the CAA.”
With the CAA rules notified recently and a 40-day window until April 19, the CM believes there is ample time to assess the situation accurately. He cited instances of Hindu families in Gujarat being granted citizenship under the CAA, “but in Assam, not many people have applied till now. Many families, especially Hindu Bengalis, entered Assam from Bangladesh even after March 25, 1971, and some of them returned as well”.
Explaining the circumstances leading to exclusions from the NRC, CM Himanta highlighted issues with documentation, particularly refugee registration cards, which were not considered valid by the NRC update process under former coordinator Prateek Hajela.
Speculating on the potential number of applicants under the CAA, CM Himanta dispelled exaggerated claims, asserting, “I estimate between three to six lakh applications, not more than this contrary to the inflated figures of 15 lakh to 1.5 crore, which some people are claiming.”
“A section of andolanjeebi is spreading lies to traumatise the common people. They are saying 1.5 crore Hindu population have entered Assam from Bangladesh. But the fact is, two crore Muslim population increased in the neighbouring country. The Hindu population decreased because they were converted,” remarked CM Himanta.
“The protesters won’t tell you the other side… but the fact is, nobody from Bangladesh entered our State after CAA rules were notified,” mentioned the CM.
In light of ongoing debates surrounding citizenship and migration, CM Himanta urged for a nuanced perspective, highlighting the need to address genuine concerns while dispelling unfounded fears and misinformation.
