Assam Accord still on paper: AGP

Lamenting that the Assam Accord was still on paper, Assam Gana Parishad legislator Alka Sarma on Monday said the violence in Assam should not be seen as a Bodo-Muslim conflict. The implementation of the Accord could have helped in easing 'Assamese-versus-foreign nationals' tension, Sarma said while interacting with the media at the Press Club here.

"The Assam agitation dates back to 1979 against illegal foreign nationals, which culminated in the signing of the Assam Accord. Assamese people had assimilated Bangladeshis who had migrated till 1966. As per the Accord, those Bangladeshis who came between 1966 and 1971 will be barred from voting for ten years," Sarma said.

 

The Accord also mentioned that the international borders will be sealed, she said adding however, the clauses are yet to see the light of the day.

Referring to the recent violence, she allegede Assam government was aware that tension was building up but failed to act in time to check it.

"The government is still in denial mode over the presence of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Assam," she said. As per the Foreigners Act, the onus of proving Indian citizenship lies on the person concerned.