On Monday, Union Home Minister of India Rajnath Singh said the draft National Register of Citizens for Assam is completely “impartial” and those whose names are not included shouldn’t panic as they will get an opportunity to prove their Indian citizenship.
The draft NRC was published with the names of about 40 lakh residents not included.
“No coercive action will be taken against anyone. Hence, there is no need for anyone to panic,” he told reporters here.
Even someone whose name is not in the final list can approach the foreigners tribunal, Singh said.
“Some people are unnecessarily trying to create an atmosphere of fear. This is a completely impartial report. No misinformation should be spread. This is a draft and not the final list,” he said.
Earlier, the opposition TMC labeled the NRC list in Assam as ‘inhuman’, creating a ruckus which led to the House being adjourned briefly till 12. The Congress and other opposition members supported the claim.
Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu asked the agitating members to go back to their seats as he was ready for a discussion on the issue.
“Some members met me in my chamber. I have requested the Home Minister (Rajnath Singh) to be present in the House. He is here. Bring order in the House. The Home Minister is ready to respond,” Naidu said.
Some TMC members were heard saying that their party has given notice for adjournment over the issue but Naidu rejected the claim, saying that he has not received any notice. O’Brian and other TMC members were heard saying that the NRC in Assam is “inhuman”.
In the north-eastern state of Assam, India has published a list which strips four million people of their citizenship. It says the process is to root out hordes of illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
The list, named as the National Register of Citizens (NRC), is a list of people who can prove they came to the state by 24 March 1971, when Bangladesh was created.
The list has sparked fears of targeted hunting towards ethnic minorities in Assam. However, officials have said that no one will face immediate deportation and that the option of an appeal will be available to all.
