Assam: State Government to take stringent action against fraudulent entries in NRC

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has initiated a sweeping initiative to eradicate illegal entries from the National Register of Citizens (NRC), reinforcing the Government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of this critical document. Speaking at a function in Guwahati on Swahid Divas, CM Sarma outlined the Government’s proactive stance in revisiting the NRC rolls to identify and eliminate names that have been fraudulently included.

With a firm emphasis on the paramount importance of Assamese national security, CM Sarma declared, “Our Government has begun work to identify all those people who fraudulently entered their names in the NRC list.” This assertive move comes as a response to concerns about the potential exploitation and manipulation of the citizenship registry.

CM Sarma’s stern warning to those who may have exploited the system resonates with a broader commitment to upholding the sanctity of the NRC. As the Government gears up for an extensive review, Assam anticipates a meticulous examination aimed at preserving the registry’s accuracy and reliability.

However, the Chief Minister’s address did not stop at addressing issues within the NRC; it delved into the alleged collaboration of Government officials in facilitating the entry and settlement of illegal foreigners. CM Sarma expressed profound dismay at the lack of honesty within certain departments, particularly singling out officials from the revenue and forest department.

“I have seen activities done by officials of the revenue department which have weakened our nation,” CM Sarma lamented, accusing certain officials of neglecting their duties and indirectly contributing to the encroachment of Assam’s lands by foreigners. This candid acknowledgment of internal challenges reflects the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing issues affecting the State.

The Chief Minister went on to highlight instances where officials failed to act promptly against encroachers, stressing the need for proactive measures. “Major arrangements like those in Gorukhuti, Batadrawa, and Kaziranga have to be taken when there are huge settlements of 15,000 to 20,000. But when just a few encroachers arrive, then no major arrangement is needed,” he observed, underlining the importance of vigilance even in the face of smaller-scale encroachments.

In a direct and unequivocal warning to Government officials, CM Sarma urged them not to compromise Assam’s future for personal gain. “Today some Government officials, without any feeling of nationalism, have harmed our nation the most,” he admonished. His recent visits to Government offices in Guwahati left him stunned at the apparent collaboration of officials in granting ownership of land to foreigners.

“I want to warn all those Government officials that they can do anything, but they cannot sell off Assam’s future for the sake of a few pots of curd and local chicken,” CM Sarma declared, underscoring the Government’s zero-tolerance stance toward any actions detrimental to Assam’s well-being.

As the Government intensifies efforts to scrutinise the NRC records, Assam stands on the precipice of a comprehensive review, symbolising the commitment to preserving the integrity of the citizenship registry. CM Sarma’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Assamese national security remains at the forefront, signaling a determined stand against any form of corruption that threatens the State’s future. In this pursuit, the Government aims not only to rectify past discrepancies but also to establish robust mechanisms that prevent future malpractices, reinforcing the foundation of a secure and resilient Assam.