‘Genuine Indians’ have no reason to worry, says Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal on the eve of publication of final draft NRC

On the eve of the publication of the final draft NRC Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said that the indigenous people of Assam should not fear if their names

On the eve of the publication of the final draft NRC Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said that the indigenous people of Assam should not fear if their names do not figure in the list.

Sonowal assured that genuine citizens will get ample time to prove their credentials and submit their documents.

Sonowal made the statement after a crucial all-party meet at the Administrative Staff College in Guwahati this afternoon. Leaders of all major parties in the state including the Congress, AGP and AIUDF attended the meet.

The statement of the chief minister assumes significance as it hints that a number of names may not figure in the final draft NRC.

The Assam chief minister added that people can submit claims and objections for which ample time will be provided and the authorities will extend all possible assistance in this regard.

He reiterated that both the state government and the Centre have already committed that those whose names will be missing from the list will not be treated as foreigners but instead given ample opportunity to present their case through claims and objections.

Sonowal also assured that adequate security arrangements are in place and asked people to stay away from rumour mongers.

Significantly, state Health and Finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma too reiterated that this is only the final draft and people will have enough time to submit their documents.

He assured that the government will do everything to ensure that all genuine Indians have their names in the updated NRC.

He also cautioned people not to fall prey to rumours adding that the government will set up facilitation centres to ensure that not a single Indian is left out of the list.

He emphasised that legal and constitutional rights of people will not be curtailed if their names do not figure in the list and none would be sent to detention camps.

Sarma added that the government will ensure that not a single Indian citizen is left out of the final list.

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