Assam CM reviews law and order ahead of final NRC publication

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the law and order situation of the state on Friday, eight days before the publication of the final version of the National Register of Citizens.

The chief minister held the meeting with deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) of all the 33 districts of the state.

Directing the DCs and SPs to travel in the districts and maintain contacts with the influential people in the society including people's representatives and NGOs, Sonowal asked them to ensure that no misunderstanding remains among the people regarding the NRC process.

Assam, which had faced an influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state having an NRC which was first prepared in 1951.

It is being updated now under the supervision of the Supreme Court and the final version is scheduled to be published on August 31.

Referring to a statement of the Ministry of Home Affairs, he said those excluded from the NRC would not be treated as foreigners and they would be given adequate opportunity to present their case before the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs).

The statement said that MHA would amend rules to increase the present time limit of filing of appeals in FTs from 60 days to 120 days regarding exclusion from final NRC.

At the meeting, the chief minister directed the DCs to ensure the fulfilment of the state government's commitment to provide land pattas to one lakh landless people.

Sonowal said the government is committed to make the state corruption free.