Assam Congress leader Bhupen Borah accuses Himanta Biswa Sarma of conspiring to settle Hajong-Chakma refugees

Assam Congress leader, Bhupen Borah, accused the state's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, of a dangerous conspiracy against Assam. 

He referred to the acceptance of an order from Amit Shah to settle 5 lakh Hajong-Chakma refugees in Assam. 

This information was inadvertently disclosed by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in a press conference. 

Rijiju had previously stated that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was a boon for Arunachal Pradesh, which would not accept any refugees from neighbouring countries. 

Borah asserted that the people of Assam would reject this proposal. He anticipated their dissent would be evident in the votes cast on 26 April and 7 May.

Also Read: Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma denies talks with centre on relocating Chakma and Hajong refugees

Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma has refuted claims of discussions with the central government regarding the relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees to Assam. 

Sarma's statement follows Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's remarks suggesting talks to relocate these refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam after the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

Addressing reporters during a poll campaign meeting, Sarma dismissed Rijiju's statements, asserting that the Government of India had not engaged in any such discussions with Assam authorities. He attributed Rijiju's remarks to the political dynamics in Arunachal Pradesh and expressed uncertainty about the veracity of the claims.

Furthermore, Sarma emphasized that no land was available in Assam for resettling the refugees, underlining logistical challenges in accommodating them. 

He affirmed that neither representatives from the Chakma nor Hajong communities nor the central government had approached him on the matter, pledging to address the issue with Rijiju post-elections.