NRC is impartial, no need for fear or panic in Assam: Rajnath Singh

“I want to emphatically say that this is only a draft and not the Final NRC,” he said in a statement issued today.

He also reassured the people of Assam that everyone would get an opportunity to prove their Indian citizenship. “Everyone will have full opportunity to file Claims / Objections as per provision in the law. Only after the disposal of claims and objections, the Final NRC will be published,” he added.

“Some people are unnecessarily trying to create an atmosphere of fear. I want to assure all that there is no need for any apprehension or fear. Some misinformation is also being spread. NRC process has been done impartially. Some people may not have been able to submit necessary documents. They will get full opportunity through Claims and Objections process,” he said.

He also clarified that even after the Final NRC, every person would get an opportunity to approach the Foreigners Tribunal.

“This means that even those whose names do not figure in the Final NRC will get an opportunity to approach the Tribunal. There is no question of any coercive action against anyone,” the Home Minister said.

The much-anticipated final draft of the NRC was published today with 2.9 crore names out of the total 3.29 crore applicants in Assam.

The final draft of the NRC was published today with 2.9 crore names out of the total 3.29 crore applicants in Assam. About 40 lakh illegal immigrants are not included in the draft. It has been updated for the first time since 1951 to deal with illegal migration from Bangladesh.