Citizenship bill won't have adverse effect on Assam, Clause 6 of Assam Accord will bring 'political stability': Himanta Sarma

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday sought to allay fears on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill passed by Parliament, saying it won't have an adverse effect on the state and asserted that implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord will usher a new hope of "political stability".

Describing the bill as a "historic one", BJP's key strategist for the northeast said there will be no "long term political fallout" due to the legislation.

Protests have erupted across Assam and other north-eastern states including Tripura after the citizenship bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. People defying curfew have come out to the streets to protest against the bill which they claim will make the state a dumping ground for refugees.

Incidents of stone pelting on the residences of Chief Minister and Union Ministers have also been reported.

"This bill will help various refugees who came because of religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will get citizenship. Of course there is some resentment in Assam but I am sure that this bill will not have an adverse effect," Sarma told PTI.

He further said Home Minister Amit Shah has promised the implementation of
As per the Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, the "constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people."