Assam Chief Minister Stands Firm on CAA Implementation Amid Protests

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed his stance on the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) amidst ongoing protests in the state. Sarma made a bold statement, expressing his willingness to resign if any individual not listed in the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) receives citizenship under the controversial CAA.

Sarma, a prominent figure in Assam politics, emphasized his commitment to the state and its people during a public event in Sivasagar. The protests stem from concerns that the CAA could lead to an influx of migrants, particularly from Bangladesh, into Assam.

The CAA, passed by the Indian Parliament in 2019, provides expedited citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. This notably includes Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in their home countries.

Amidst the unrest, reports emerged of effigies of top government officials being burned by protesters in various parts of the state, including Lakhimpur. Opposition parties, such as the Trinamool Congress, Raijor Dal, and CPI(M), staged demonstrations against the CAA, underscoring the contentious nature of the legislation.

Sarma clarified that only migrants who entered India before 2015 would be eligible for citizenship under the CAA. He projected a minimal number of applicants post-2014, particularly in different regions across Assam like Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley.

With the CAA rules now set to be enforced, the Indian government aims to grant Indian nationality to specific religious minority groups who faced persecution in their home countries. Sarma’s firm stance on CAA implementation reflects the ongoing political tension surrounding the contentious issue in Assam.

The Chief Minister’s bold statements signal a pivotal moment in Assam’s political landscape, as citizens closely monitor the outcomes of the CAA implementation in the coming months.