NRC (National Register of Citizens) Must Be Based on 1951: Citizens’ Convention

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The present NRC (National Register of Citizens) must be based on the NRC of 1951, and simply inclusion of names in the 2019 NRC should not be a criterion for determining their Indian citizenship. Similarly, exclusion from the present NRC must not be concluded as the last word on anybody’s citizenship status. These are among the resolutions adopted by the Loka Jagaran Mancha, Asom (LJMA) at its citizens’ conference at B Borooah College here.

Stating that names of thousands of indigenous people have not been included in the present NRC while many foreign nationals could have their names included in it through various means of forgery, the convention expressed concern over it. Hence the citizens felt that the National Register of Citizens in its present shape is not acceptable.

The convention further said that there is a need for 100 per cent house-to-house reverification of the NRC. Adding that the present NRC must be based on the 1951 National Register of Citizens, the convention decided to also appeal to the legislative, executive, and judiciary wings of the country in this regard. It will also convene masses awareness meets across the State on the NRC.

Chaired by Dhruba Prasad Baishya, the convention was attended by representatives of various indigenous organizations, xattras, religious leaders, intellectuals, litterateurs, and educationists. Among those present on the occasion were the Xattradhikars of Barpeta and Kamalabari Xatras, Basistha Deva Sarma and Sonaram Sarma Burha Bhakat respectively; president of the Axam Xahitya Xabha Paramananda Rajbongshi, and representatives of All Assam Tribal Sangha, Assam Public Works, and students union of various communities.