Assam NRC: Banerjee says Indians being made refugees by government
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today slammed the government and accused it of playing divide and rule policy, after the Assam's National Register of Citizens left 40 lakh names. The Trinamool Congress leader asserted the Centre wanted to deliberately throw Bengali-speaking and people from Bihar out. She further advised government against playing with fire. Meanwhile, the government has maintained this draft wasn't final.
Understanding NRC and what it means for Assam
The first NRC in Assam was prepared in 1951 to weed out illegal Bangladeshi immigrants; this is the first time it's being updated. The application process began in May'15. Individuals had to prove links with family members having their name in the original NRC, or in electoral rolls till March 25, 1971. Applications were received from 68.27L families across the state.
Consequences will be felt in Bengal too, Banerjee says
The reports of 40 lakh names being absent from NRC put the government at the receiving end of an attack by the opposition. Terming it a plan to make Indians a refugee in their own country, Banerjee said, "It's a plan to throw out Bengali-speaking people and Biharis. Consequences will be felt in our state also."
Where will these 40 lakh people go, asks Banerjee
"Where will the 40 lakh people whose names have been deleted go? Does Centre have any rehabilitation program for them? Ultimately it is Bengal which will suffer. It's just vote politics by BJP," Banerjee said today.
But will West Bengal give shelter to these people?
When asked if her state government will accept these people, who are likely to migrate from North-East to Bengal, Banerjee said she can't behave like the Centre. "These people are not Rohingyas but very much Indians. If they come here then we have to give them shelter as per the resolution of United Nations," she said. She added their eviction was unfortunate.
Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh asked people to not politicize sensitive issue
Facing flak over the absence of so many names, Union Home Minister said this wasn't the final list and asked political parties to not create an atmosphere of fear. "It is a sensitive issue and should not be politicized unnecessarily," Singh added. Satyendra Garg, a home ministry official, added that no one will be deported or arrested based on today's list.
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