ULFA, intellectuals oppose move to amend citizenship Act

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 12: Leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and various intellectuals of Assam have made it crystal clear that Assam is not going to shoulder the burden of any Bangladeshis, Hindus or Muslims.

A meeting called by the ULFA at Gauri Sadan in the city today on issues like citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis, deportation of foreigners staying illegally in the State and ensuring land rights of the indigenous people of the State, those present at the meeting vehemently opposed the government’s move to provide Indian citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis. “If such a move is translated into a reality, the situation in Assam will simply boil,” many of the speakers said, and added: “This government has violated the existing land Act.”

Former police officer Hiranya Bhattacharyya said: “Assam is not ready to shoulder the burden of any foreigners. We’re against the government’s decision on this issue.”

ULFA leader Arabinda Rajkhowa said: “We’re opposing the decision which the government at the Centre is trying to impose on us. What steps we’re going to take will be clear in the days ahead.”

The ULFA leader said that the organization would let the Centre know its decision on the move to amend the citizenship Act in their next round of peace talks.