Assam Public Works Reiterates Demand for Seizure of Prateek Hajela's Passport

Guwahati, October 22, 2019:

Assam Public Works (APW), the original petitioner in the Supreme Court which led to the updating of the National Register of Citizens six years ago, has called upon the Government to seize NRC Coordinator Prateek Hajela's passport

Stating the final NRC draft has "clearly broken the hearts of many many people of Assam", the APW has expressed its disappointment over the transfer of Hajela to Madhya Pradesh.

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In a press release, the APW has accused Hajela of creating some "funny gimmick as he submitted documents to the Court stating that there is risk on his life", and stated that a lot of confusion surrounds the Government's decision to allow his transfer.

Taking a jibe at Hajela, the APW said that his sudden departure can be explained in one phrase in our native language, “Dhaan Pake Mane Tunir Bipad!” The APW further alleged that Hajela's situation can be likened to APSC head Rakesh Pal’s journey to the jail.

The APW has stated that they will be "re-rising with fresh energy after 17^th of November 2019 with many more documents and documented facts related to the issue" and requested the Government to seize Hajela's passport, so that he cannot leave India.

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The APW stated that there is a strong need for the audit of the IT used in the NRC process and that must be performed by some "internationally acclaimed organization".

The APW has also requested the respected Chief Minister of Assam and recommended through a memorandum, some names of different officials for the coordination of NRC in the future times.

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