83,008 cases of D Voters pending in Foreigners Tribunals across Assam

GUWAHATI: Altogether 83,008 cases of 'Doubtful Voters' ('D Voters) are pending in the various Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) across Assam, besides 64,115 cases of people other than 'D voters'. This was reflected in a written reply by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on behalf of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on the autumn session of the first day of the four-day 14^th Assam Assembly on Monday.

The question on the subject was raised by Congress MLA Zakir Hussain Sikdar.

According to Patowary, the highest numbers of 7,776 'D voter' cases are pending in Sorbhog Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) of Barpeta district followed by 5,566 cases in Paneri LAC of Udalguri district; 4,605 in Dhekiajuli LAC of Sonitpur district; 3,883 in Mazbat LAC of Udalguri district; 3,319 cases in Gohpur LAC of Biswanath district among others.

The Minister's reply also indicated that no case against any 'D Voter' is pending in 28 other LACs.

On the other hand, with respect to cases pending of people (other than 'D voters), the Minister's reply showed that 64,115 cases are still pending in various FTs. The highest numbers of 6,406 cases are pending in Kamrup (Metro) followed by 6,226 in Barpeta district; 4,825 in Nagaon; 4,006 in South Salmara; and 3,891 in Goalpara district among others.

Presently, 100 FTs are operational across the State. After hearing the cases, the FT Members give their opinions as to whether a particular person is an Indian citizen or not.

It was in 1997 that the Election Commission in India (ECI) introduced the concept of 'D Voters' only with respect to Assam.

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