NRC release: Assam CM cautions against misinformation

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Monday that no one should spread misinformation on the publication of the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The much-anticipated second and final draft of the NRC with 2.89 crore names out of the total 3.29 crore applicants was published around 10 am.

"No one should spread misinformation. No one should also give any importance to misinformation," Sonowal said, when asked about his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee's concern over the exclusion of around 40.07 lakh applicants from the NRC.

"A government is there in Assam to look after people's interest. You have seen all are living here with unity and honour," he added.

The process of publishing the final draft was carried out in cooperation with the Registrar General of India, along with the central and the state government officials, under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court, the chief minister said.

"Assam is a very peaceful state. We are confident that all sections of society will come forward to maintain peace and tranquillity.

"We have always been abiding by the directions of the Supreme Court (in the NRC process), and whatever direction the Supreme Court will pass on to us, we will sincerely follow it and observe it," Sonowal said.

However, around 40.07 lakh applicants, did not find a place in the document, touted to be a proof of Assamese identity.

"It (NRC) is a draft only, it is to be remembered," he said.

The first draft, with 1.9 crore names, was released on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1, this year.

Earlier in the day, Sonowal congratulated the people of Assam for the successful publication of the NRC.

"For this remarkable feat, I extend my heartiest congratulations to the 55,000 officials engaged in the NRC updation process and the people living across the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys, plains and hills of the state," he said.

The chief minister expressed confidence that the NRC, which has become the "instrument to safeguard the interest of greater Assamese society," would be able to pave the way for realising the hopes and aspirations of the genuine Indian citizens.

Sonowal also urged people not to panic if their names did not appear in the second draft as genuine Indian citizens would get "full opportunity" to make claims and objections.

The NRC will include the names of all Indian citizens who have been residing in Assam before March 25, 1971.