GUWAHATI: The recently formed Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill notes with grave concern that after the declaration of the first partial draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, a section of political leaders, parties, organisations and intellectuals of the state have been making public statements which might instigate moves towards harming peace and tranquility.
The Forum, therefore, appeals to all sections of the society not to be led astray by any such statements of vested interest groups. The Forum stated, “It has been seen that after the first partial draft of the NRC was published there were some disturbing reactions from some places, particularly from the Barak Valley. The Forum has noticed that in this partial draft, in 13 districts of Assam there are 208 Seva Kendras where out of the total applicants the names of only about 10 per cent have found place. Of this the largest numbers are in the Kokrajhar district. In three districts of the Barak valley also till now a very small percentage of names have found place in the draft NRC. It is, therefore, not unnatural that such a situation has raised serious concerns amongst some. But from the facts given above it is clear that it cannot be concluded that any community or ethnic group has been left out of this draft with any ulterior motive.
“It is, however, very unfortunate that a section of vested political interests, organisations and intellectuals are using these same facts to try and create confusion and tension amongst people. Even earlier various attempts were made to bring about divisions amongst people. The NRC authorities have been repeatedly pointing out that this is only a partial first draft. It is also necessary to remember that the whole process of updating the NRC is going on under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court and the Highest Court has taken a very firm stand on the timely preparation of a correct NRC.
“ In the light of this it has to be reiterated that any attempts to bring about communal divisions of any type cannot be in the larger interest of the society. Therefore, the Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill humbly appeals to all concerned stake holders in both valleys of Assam that they should desist from making any irresponsible and uncalled for public statement on this issue.
“The Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill firmly believes that certain sections are instigating these divisive forces so that in the midst of the confusions created by such forces the Citizenship Amendment Bill can be smoothly passed in the parliament. Everyone should understand that if this Bill gets passed and becomes an Act then the long awaited and highly desired upgradation of the NRC will become meaningless.
“We, therefore, want to caution al sections of the people in Assam to be aware of these devious moves and not fall into the trap of these conspiracies which will have far reaching consequences. Instead, all should get together and unitedly build a resistance to prevail upon the government to withdraw the Bill.”