Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam, to be published on July 30, was only a “draft” list. He added that even after the NRC was finalised, there was no question of putting anyone in detention centres as they could appeal before the Foreigner’s Tribunal.
Mr. Singh’s statement comes amid apprehensions expressed by several groups in Assam that the NRC was being used by the government for “religious polarisation” and that several residents would end up in detention centres if their names did not figure in the draft list.
“The NRC is being updated in Assam in accordance with the Assam Accord signed on August 15, 1985. The entire process is being carried out as per directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court which is constantly monitoring the process,” Mr. Singh said.
He said the NRC exercise is being carried out in an impartial, transparent and meticulous manner and will continue to be so. “At every stage of the process, adequate opportunity of being heard is given to all persons. The entire process is being conducted according to law and due procedure is being followed,” he said.
The Home Minister added that every individual would get justice and will have sufficient opportunity for all remedies available under the law.
”Government wants to make it clear that the NRC to be published on July 30 is only a draft. After draft publication, adequate opportunity for claims and objections will be available. All claims and objections will be duly examined. Adequate opportunity of being heard will be given before disposal of claims and objections. Only thereafter, final NRC will be published,” the statement said.
The Citizenship Rules provide that any person who is not satisfied with the outcome of claims and objections can appeal in the Foreigner’s Tribunal. “Thus, there is no question of anyone being put in a detention centre after the publication of NRC,” he said.
He said the State Government has been asked to ensure that law and order is maintained and no one is allowed to take law into their hands and all possible arrangements are made to ensure safety and security for all. “There is no reason for panic or fear. No person will be allowed to be harassed,” the Minister said. As per directions of the Supreme Court, the Registrar General of India (RGI) is to publish the final draft list on July 30 to segregate Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the State from Bangladesh after March 25, 1971.