Assam: Debabrata Saikia demands govt to implement ILP amid fears of 'CAA'

GUWAHATI: Debabrata Saikia, MLA from Assam's Nazira and the leader of the Opposition, has urged the government to strengthen measures to protect the indigenous people amid fears that the BJP-led government has begun the process of naturalizing 'minorities' from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Just before the recent Assembly elections the Government of Assam cited a letter from the Central Government and instructed Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Foreigners Registration Officers etc. vide a memo dated 19th March, 2021, to disseminate information regarding grant of citizenship to migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who hold Long Term Visas (LTVs), Saikia said.

He added that since 'CAA' was introduced for migrants from these three specific countries, there is reason to suspect that the latest instruction issued by the Government of Assam was nothing but a ploy to implement CAA in Assam in a roundabout way.

Saikia added that the result of the recent Assembly elections could not be interpreted as an endorsement of CAA by the people of Assam, because the BJP secured only 33.21% of the votes and the majority of voters spurned the BJP and CAA.

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In this context, Mr. Saikia demanded that if a section of foreign migrants is to be granted citizenship on the basis of LTVs, then the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system should be introduced in Assam as per provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, to safeguard the rights of the indigenous people of Assam.

Talking to InsideNE, Saikia said, "Why have they specifically mentioned the three countries? It seems like the CAA is being brought again. I believe we have to strengthen measures to protect the indigenous people of the state. If more and more illegals get citizenship, it could be problematic for us."

Saikia has also demanded that the long-pending claims and objections process of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) be completed urgently via Foreigners Tribunals, as per rules.

Since only the names of genuine citizens of the pre-1971 period would be left after a fair claims and objections process, the Government should issue National Identity Cards to these citizens in accordance with provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, said Saikia.

Saikia mentioned that any foreigner can apply for Indian citizenship under Sections 5 & 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and, consequently, there is no need to invoke the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

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