Citizen group expresses concern over NRC update

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, Aug 19: Members of Lakhipur Anchalik Unyan Sangstha (LAUS) have expressed their concern at the categorization in the update process of NRC, Assam. Common people are seized with fear as they shudder to think of their status in future in the state. The government and various political parties have been making their own statements for their political mileage. For example, as Anil Chandra Das Talukdar, president of the Sangstha said, some of the political parties insist to make 1951 as the cut-off date, others speak of the midnight of March 24, 1971, while the Union Government has decided to make December 31, 2014 for NRC update.

 But, it is a matter of regret that the statement of Prateek Hajela, State coorditor, NRC, Assam, on ‘OI’ and ‘NOI’ categorization has generated lot of resentment and anger among the various organizations, women, youth, students and civil society, as well as political parties. Lakhipur Anchalik Unyan Sangstha has been on the forefront of the move to condemn categorization. It has been alleged by the members of the bodies that the categorization is preplanned which will disturb peace and harmony of the state.

 The Sangstha has also stated that labeling Bengali, Hindu and Muslim, or any other non-Assamese groups as ‘NOI’ is highly discrimitory. Members of the Lakhipur Anchalik Unyan Sangstha have insisted on taking 2014 as the cut-off year for the process of NRC update. Failing which, the Sangstha along with the people of Lakhipur sub-division will have on other altertive than to go for mass movement. They have also condemned the statements of Akhil Gogoi, president, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, for its commul overtone.