AASU Calls for Comprehensive Review of NRC in Assam

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has urged the Assam and Central governments to file a new appeal in the Supreme Court for a comprehensive review of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). During a recent meeting, AASU leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the previous NRC outcomes and emphasized the need for a thorough re-examination. They highlighted significant discrepancies in the NRC figures and called for immediate government action. Discussions also focused on various clauses of the Assam Accord, particularly those aimed at protecting the cultural identity of the Assamese people. AASU plans to file a new petition and is pushing for the government to take decisive steps in addressing these critical issues.
 | 
AASU Calls for Comprehensive Review of NRC in Assam

AASU's Appeal for NRC Re-examination


Guwahati, June 19: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has requested both the Assam and Central governments to initiate a new appeal in the Supreme Court for a thorough re-evaluation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).


This request was made during the sixth meeting of the sub-committee focused on the implementation of the Assam Accord, which took place in Guwahati on Wednesday.


During this meeting, AASU representatives and government officials, including Atul Bora, the Minister responsible for the Implementation of the Assam Accord, gathered to assess the progress of various aspects of the historic Accord.


"Our demand has always been for a complete re-examination of the NRC, rather than just a partial re-verification," stated AASU president Utpal Sarma.


He further criticized the government's previous proposal for a 20% re-verification in border districts and 10% in other areas, labeling it as insufficient. Sarma highlighted that the final NRC excluded 19 lakh individuals, a significant reduction from the initial count of 40 lakh, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive resolution.


AASU pointed out that both the state and central governments had expressed their dissatisfaction with the published NRC but had not followed through on their commitments.


"We were assured that actions would be taken post-delimitation, yet no progress has been made," Sarma remarked, confirming that AASU plans to file a new petition and is urging the government to do the same.


AASU chief adviser Samujja Bhattacharya mentioned that discussions with the Chief Minister have commenced, identifying 67 critical issues related to the Accord.


"Decisions have been made on 38 issues under the state government's jurisdiction, while 13 remain unresolved at the state level. Additionally, 15 issues require discussions at the central level, which are expected to start in the first week of July," he noted.


A significant part of the discussions revolved around Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which aims to safeguard and promote the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese community.


The sub-committee is currently evaluating the 39 recommendations put forth by the Justice Biplab Kumar Sarma Committee and plans to submit its final report to the Chief Minister by August 8.


Alongside Clause 6, AASU also highlighted Clause 7, which focuses on the economic development of Assam.


Minister Bora mentioned that AASU leadership provided several constructive suggestions to accelerate the implementation process, including the establishment of a Sub-Committee for Clause 7 of the Assam Accord. "In line with our Government’s vision, I have directed the relevant officials to ensure timely and effective execution of the assigned tasks," he shared on social media.


News Hub