No need to panic: Rajnath on NRC

Seeking to allay apprehensions of harassment, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said no one will put in detention centres in Assam after the publication of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

His remarks came as the deadline of July 30 for the publication of the second draft of NRC is nearby and amid allegations that the government is doing it with an intention to polarise people and that those who do not find their name could be sent to detention centres.

"Government wants to make it clear that the NRC to be published on July 30 is only a draft. After draft publication, adequate opportunity for claims and objections will be available. All claims and objections will be duly examined. The adequate opportunity of being heard will be given before disposal of claims and objections. Only thereafter, final NRC will be published," Singh said in a statement.

He said the NRC is being updated in Assam in accordance with the Assam Accord signed on 15 August 1985 and the entire process is being carried out as per directions of Supreme Court, which is constantly monitoring the process. The Supreme Court had set the deadline for July 30 which instructed the updation of the NRC to segregate Indian citizens from Bangladeshis who illegally entered Assam after 25 March 1971.

"I will like to assure everyone that the NRC exercise is being carried out in a totally impartial, transparent and meticulous manner and will continue to be so. At every stage of the process, the adequate opportunity of being heard is given to all persons. The entire process is being conducted according to law and the due procedure is being followed. We will ensure that every individual gets justice and is treated in a humane manner. All individuals will have sufficient opportunity for all remedies available under the law," he said.

Singh said the Citizenship Rules provide that any person who is not satisfied with the outcome of claims and objections can appeal in the Foreigner’s Tribunal. "Thus, there is no question of anyone being put in a detention centre after the publication of NRC," he said.

The Home Minister also asked Assam government to ensure law and order. "No one is allowed to take the law into their hands and all possible arrangements are made to ensure safety and security for all. There is no reason for panic or fear. No person will be allowed to be harassed. The central government will provide all necessary help to the Assam government in this regard," he said.

Sources said Singh is constantly monitoring the situation and is in touch with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and top officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).