Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that following the notification of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules, only eight individuals in the State had applied for citizenship under this provision. He highlighted how leaders of the anti-CAA protests had instilled fear by suggesting that up to 50 lakh illegal immigrants could potentially gain citizenship under the amended law.
In Assam, citizenship remains a contentious issue, deeply entrenched in decades of anti-outsider sentiment. The State witnessed tragic events in 2019, with five fatalities occurring during significant anti-CAA demonstrations.
The CAA, enacted in 2019, aimed to expedite Indian citizenship for Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, provided they arrived in Bharat before December 31, 2014.
Assam is home to a significant population of Hindu Bengalis, who migrated to the State over various historical periods. The region has also experienced substantial illegal immigration from Bengali Muslims originating from Bangladesh.
“Only eight individuals have applied for citizenship under the CAA, with just two having attended interviews,” Himanta Biswa Sarma informed during a press briefing.
CM Himanta highlighted that many members of the Bengali Hindu community in Assam, absent from the National Register of Citizens or NRC, were reluctant to apply for citizenship under the CAA, claiming they had arrived in Bharat before 1971, the cutoff year for Assam citizenship.
Following a Supreme Court-monitored NRC exercise in 2019, around 19 lakh individuals did not find their names on the updated list, which determines citizenship status.
“I’ve met many people who assert their Indian citizenship and intend to prove it in court,” stated the CM. “This sentiment is widespread among the people of Assam.”
Regarding the status of cases in Foreigners Tribunals, CM Himanta indicated a potential need for temporary suspension to allow individuals an opportunity to apply for CAA citizenship.
“The Foreigners Tribunal proceedings will be paused for two to three months,” he explained, “to facilitate applications under the CAA.”
According to Himanta Sarma, individuals who arrived in Bharat before 2015 have the primary right to apply for citizenship under the CAA. Failure to do so may result in legal action, while those arriving after 2015 face deportation.
Reflecting on the massive protests against the CAA in Assam, the CM expressed disbelief that despite predictions by anti-CAA leaders of millions benefiting from the law, only a minimal number had applied for citizenship.
“People leading these protests claimed that 30 to 50 lakh illegal immigrants would gain citizenship,” remarked CM Himanta. “But the reality is starkly different.”
He also acknowledged the deaths of five individuals during the 2019 anti-CAA demonstrations.
“Hindu Bengalis affirm their Indian identity and possess documentation to support it,” asserted Himanta. “They are prepared to litigate if necessary but are reluctant to apply under the CAA.”
Addressing issues arising from the lack of Aadhaar cards, Himanta Sarma stated efforts were underway to resolve these concerns in coordination with the Central Government.
Describing an incident, CM Himanta recounted how a young woman from Assam lost an opportunity with Deloitte due to the absence of an Aadhaar card.
