BJP committed to protect Hindu Bengalis: MLA Aminul Haque

From our Special Correspondent

Silchar, Dec 28: BJP MLA from Soi constituency of Cachar and the lone minority representative of the party in an exclusive interview with The Sentinel said, “Our party’s election manifesto has clearly spelt out protection and shelter to all those Hindu Bengalis who have to desert their hearths and homes under repression and oppression in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and forced to take shelter in this country.” Aminul Haque Laskar formed part of a BJP delegation which met Union Home Minister, Rajth Singh, in New Delhi and returned back here last night.

 A 19 member delegation was led by Kabindra Purkayastha, former union minister and the senior most leader of the party, and comprising Ranjit Kumar Das, state president, 6 MLAs of this valley, Dr. Rajdeep Roy, state spokesperson, Mission Ranjan Das, ex MLA, Nitya Bhushan Dey, organizing secretary, the district presidents of the Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi, besides Shiladitya Dey, MLA of Hojai, among others met the Union Home Minister and discussed the passage of Citizens’ (Amendment) Bill for the protection of Hindu Bengalis. Aminul Haque Laskar said Rajth Singh gave a patient hearing and assured that he was fully aware of the commitment of the party.

 The Union Home Minister at the same time, as told by the Soi MLA, gave out words of assurance that there should be no cause of panic among the Hindu Bengali refugees. There was however no indication when the Bill now much debated and discussed would be passed by the Parliament. It was however clear that during the current winter session, the passage of the Bill was almost uncertain. It would be taken up during the monsoon session. When asked about his stand in respect of the Muslims, Aminul Haque Laskar was forthright to say that genuine Indian citizens and indigenous among them have nothing to worry.

 But, those who have entered the country in general and Assam in particular illegally will have to face legal scrutiny and the process of NRC update will take care of it. After all, Soi MLA pointed out Muslims are not the victims of repression. He denied there was any pressure from his community because his message to the people was distinct ‘Indian Muslims have nothing to fear’. If they have the legacy data of 1951, 1961 and 1971 or any other document of their settlement, there should be no apprehension in their mind. After all, Assam cannot take the burden of any other country.

 Aminul Haque Laskar further clarified NRC update process is being done strictly on the basis of the guidelines of Supreme Court of India. The publication of first list will be partial and those whose mes do not figure in it need not panic. They will have to wait for the second draft list to be published in the midnight of July 31, 2018. Even if some body’s me is left out, the process to entertain claims and objections will continue.

 Asked about his vision for his constituency in the new year of 2018, Aminul Haque Laskar said Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal Government has laid down the basic principles of ‘good governce and development’. It is under his inspiring leadership that like all other MLAs, he has been pursuing the same agenda. For the last 70 years of misrule, mostly by Congress, there has been no development of the constituency. Now, schemes and projects are being implemented and there is appreciable change in road connectivity, drinking water facility as well as power coverage of even interior areas. Schools and colleges have been extended grants for their facelift. “I am committed to continue the process of development”, asserted the MLA.