Assam Agitation leaders to move SC

REGULARIZATION OF MINORITY REFUGEES

From Correspondent

New Delhi, Sept 24: The Assam Sangrami Andolan Mancha, a recently formed association of former Assam Agitation leaders, on Thursday said it will file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Centre's recent decision allowing Bangladeshi and Pakistani refugees belonging to minority communities, to stay in India.

The members of the Mancha called on President Prab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari today, registering their protest against the move.

"We will always oppose such a move… this is totally politically motivated," said former Assam Chief Minister and chief advisor of the Mancha Prafulla Kumar Mahanta.

Both the President and Vice President reportedly gave a patient hearing to the Mancha members.

The President reportedly told the delegation that he will talk to the government whereas the Vice President expressed his "surprise" over the government's move.

"They (Centre) cannot implement this order in Assam… they (Centre) can allow such people to stay in other parts of India but not in Assam," said Mahanta.

The Centre, in an order, has recently decided to exempt Bangladeshi and Pakistani tiols belonging to minority communities who have entered into India on or before December 31, 2014, from the relevant provisions of rules and order made under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and the Foreigners Act, 1946, in respect of their entry and stay in India without documents or after the expiry of documents, as the case may be.

The Central Government has accordingly issued two notifications in the Official Gazette under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and the Foreigners Act, 1946.