We're also origil inhabitants of Assam, Nepalese tell Sonowal

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, July 13: A 15-member delegation of the Gorkha Joint Action Committee on NRC called on Assam Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal at his office at Dispur recently and submitted him enough documents in support of their contention that the Nepalese/Gorkhas of Assam are also origil inhabitants of Assam.

The memorandum contains 28 points in support of their contention that Gorkhas/Nepalese in Assam are also origil inhabitants of Assam as defined under Clause 3(3) of the schedule appended to the Citizenship Rules 2003.

Drawing heavily on the pre-historical and historical evidence right up to the present time, Dal Bahadur Chhetry, chief coorditor, on behalf of the Gorkha Joint Action Committee, apprised the Chief Minister of the long and unblemished legacy of the Gorkhas/Nepalese in Assam who have steadfastly stood by their Assamese brethren through thick and thin and may, therefore, be reasobly recognized as origil inhabitants (01) in the ongoing NRC update exercise instead of putting a dash (-) against their mes as done currently in the relevant records.

The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing and assured the delegation that the community need not worry about the NRC and all efforts must be made by all concerned so that every eligible person is listed in the NRC. He also stated that any disorder/anomalies noticed should be brought to his notice.

On behalf of the delegation Chhetry also apprised Chief Minister Sonowal that owing to non-availability of legacy data by a large section of Gorkha/ Nepalse in the Jagun area under Margherita constituency, they had to submit NRC applications with whatever records they had in their possession, including Electoral Roll for 1961. “But now they are under serious apprehension that their applications would be rejected. Secondly, very recently, police are said to be active in the same locality arresting people,” he said.

Chief Minister heard the matter patiently and asked Tinsukia DC to attend to the grievances of the Gorkha/ Nepalse in Jagun area.