Assam MLA asked to prove citizenship

An MLA of the ruling BJP in Assam has been served notice to prove his citizenship amid the exercise to update the National Register of Citizens nearing completion.

BJP legislator Kishore Nath and six members of his family were served the notice on Friday morning by Foreigners’ Tribunal No. 1 on suspicion of being ‘doubtful’ voters.

Mr. Nath, 53, represents the Barkhola Assembly seat in southern Assam’s Cachar district.

Other members of his family who have been served notice include his wife Nilima and four brothers.

Officials’ whims

“We have been living here for three generations. I believe some mischief was done during a verification process during 2008-2012 when the Congress ruled. No one ever came to our house for verification then,” Mr. Nath said.

The MLA said his family members will appear before the foreigners’ tribunal judge with documents to prove their citizenship. “But the notice to me, an elected representative, has vindicated my belief that the methods applied to identify foreigners are designed to harass certain people,” he said. Assam has 100 foreigners’ tribunals which work on reports provided by the police. Mr. Nath said officials entrusted with the verification process often go by their whims.