Outsiders won't be allowed to settle in Assam: PM Modi

KOKRAJHAR: Declared a "persona non grata" by Assam's anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protesters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defending the new citizenship law, on Friday gave assurance to the people of Assam that no outsider will be allowed to settle in the state or other parts of the northeast.
In his first direct address to the people of Assam since the enactment of CAA two months ago, the Prime Minister said, "Certain sections of society are trying to mislead the people of Assam and the northeast over the Act. Rumours are being spread that outsiders will be allowed to settle in Assam, but this is not correct."
He added, "I am here to assure all that anti-Assam and anti-national mentality won't be tolerated and no outsider will be allowed to settle in the region."
Promising to safeguard language, identity and culture of the indigenous people of Assam, Modi said, "The government is now trying to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. I promise that after the committee submits its report, the Centre will act on it swiftly."
Clause 6 of the Assam Accord seeks to provide constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.
The All Assam Students' Union (Aasu), which has been spearheading agitations against CAA, did not stage any protest on Friday when Modi arrived in the state. Aasu general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi said, "The Prime Minister is coming for their (Bodos) celebration. The sentiments and emotions of the Bodo people are attached to this and we do not think we should destroy our society and strong bond of brotherhood by protesting."
The Oboro Surakha Samity, a non-Bodo organisation opposing the Accord, also withdrew its bandh following assurance of a meeting with the Prime Minister. Modi met the leaders at Guwahati airport and promised them that the Centre will hold discussions with them later this month.