Opposition Leader Urges Assam to Unite Against Citizenship Amendment Act

Call to Action Against CAA

Guwahati, Aug 11: Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of the Opposition in Assam's Legislative Assembly, has urged both political entities and civil organizations in Assam to take a firm stance against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and to cultivate public sentiment opposing it.

Saikia stated, “I have reached out to various organizations, encouraging them to contest the CAA, which undermines the Assam Accord, and to rally public opinion against this legislation to safeguard the interests of Assam now and in the future. The BJP-led government is currently devising strategies to enforce the CAA, which contradicts the Assam Accord, and to provide citizenship to foreign nationals.”

He also pointed out that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed District Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to dismiss cases involving certain foreign nationals pending in the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) based on their religion.

Saikia warned, “If this directive is executed, nearly 500,000 foreign nationals in our state, who are currently excluded under the Assam Accord, could gain eligibility for Indian citizenship. Additionally, around 70,000 individuals previously classified as foreigners by the FTs might also obtain Indian citizenship.”

He criticized the government's decision, asserting that it not only breaches the Assam Accord but could also adversely affect Assam's economic landscape and its limited natural resources.

“The government has not denied the reports circulating regarding this issue. Hence, I strongly call upon all parties and organizations to unite in forming public opinion against the CAA for the benefit of Assam,” concluded the senior Congress leader.