1964-Janagusthi Suraksha Samitee (JSS) reiterates inclusion in NRC list

GUWAHATI, Oct 9: The ‘1964-Janagusthi Suraksha Samitee (JSS),’ an umbrella body of the Hajong, Koch, Garo, Banai and Dalu refugees of Assam has reiterated their demand for inclusion in the final list of the NRC.

Talking to the reporters here on Tuesday, JSS president Rabindra Koch said, “We have been provided relief eligibility certificate (REC), allotted lands and included in the voters’ list. Moreover, according to the cut off year as prescribed by the Assam Accord, we are very much eligible to get included in the NRC. Hence, the NRC authority’s effort to invalidate the REC and other government documents for inclusion in the NRC is quite discouraging.”

The JSS president further revealed that out of the 40 lakh persons excluded from the already published NRC list, approximately 5 lakh excluded persons belong to the Hajong, Koch, Garo, Banai and Dalu.

It must be mentioned here that during 1964, a large number of refugees had come from erstwhile East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh). Initially, they had been settled in Nogaon, Cachar, Darrang, Barpeta and Goalpara districts. Accordingly, they obtained Relief Eligibility Certificate (REC) from the Government of India. As a part of the rehabilitation process, these refugees were also allotted lands.