Assam steps up security for NRC draft publication

GUWAHATI: As the mega exercise of publishing the first draft of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) reaches its final stages, the state has stepped up security across the state to maintain law and order.
Assam DGP Mukesh Sahay told TOI that by December 31, on midnight of which the draft will be out, at least 85 companies of central paramilitary forces will be deployed across the state. While 50 companies have already been sent to the state, more are on the way.

"Another 35 companies of security forces are reaching the state as we speak. Many have already been deployed and a few more are on their way. Both the Centre and the state government, along with Assam Police and other security forces, are working in synergy to make the publication of the draft NRC a success," the DGP added.

State police have also requested the Army to assist in counter-insurgency operations so that police and the central paramilitary forces can be solely engaged in maintaining law and order during and after the publication of the NRC. Keeping the exponential speed at which news spreads on social media in mind, special cells have been set up to monitor social media networks. At the ground level, state police have mapped vulnerable locations and NRC seva kendras.

"All seva kendras and other centres where the draft will be listed are under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance," the DGP said.

There are nearly 2,500 seva kendras in the state, each covering an average of 10 villages. An official associated with the NRC update said 22 districts have been marked vulnerable. To deal with any emergency situation that may arise, quick reactions teams have been formed in every district. Senior officials have been instructed to install and supervise round-the-clock security blanket at the seva kendras and the areas under their purview. "We are ready for the worst and hoping for the best. We urge the people of the state to cooperate with the entire process for a smooth completion of the vital NRC update process in the state," Sahay said.

In 2010, at least four people were killed and over 50 others were injured in a clash between police and protesters who were trying to stall government proceedings to update the NRC in Barpeta. This had halted the process then.

Meanwhile, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi, who was released from jail on Wednesday, demanded a smooth and fair NRC publication. "A fair NRC is going to be the most vital document to deal with the illegal infiltration problem in the state. So KMSS while appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony," the activist said at a press conference here.