Assam NRC: All Indians will get chance to prove citizenship says Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, July 23: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that there was no need to panic and all bonafide Indians will be given adequate opportunities to prove their citizenship. The statement assumes significance with just a week to go for the publication of the draft National Citizens Register in Assam.

Rajnath said the NRC is being updated in accordance with the 'Assam Accord' signed on August 15, 1985, and is being carried out as per the directions of the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the process. "There is no reason for panic or fear. No person will be allowed to be harassed. We will ensure that every individual gets justice and is treated in a humane manner," he said.

He assured that the exercise is being carried out in an impartial, transparent and meticulous manner and will continue to be so.

"All individuals will have sufficient opportunity for all remedies available under the law. At every stage of the process, adequate opportunity is given to all persons to be heard," he said.

Rajnath said the Centre wants to make it clear that the NRC, to be published on July 30, is only a draft, and after publication of the draft, adequate opportunity for claims and objections will be available. "All claims and objections will be duly examined. Adequate opportunity of being heard will be given before disposal of claims and objections. Only thereafter, final NRC will be published," he said.

He said the Citizenship Rules provide the opportunity to any person who is not satisfied with the outcome of claims and objections to appeal to the Foreigners Tribunal. Therefore, there is no question of anyone being put in a detention centre after the publication of NRC, he said.

Rajnath said the Assam government has been told to ensure that law and order is maintained.

"The central government will provide all necessary help to the state government of Assam in this regard," he said.