Himanta Biswa defends Citizenship Bill for welfare of Hindus

Senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Monday said Hindus in the state will become a minority in the next five years if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not passed. Speaking to PTI, Sarma said it would be advantageous for those who want Assam to be another Kashmir.

"I strongly believe that if this Bill is not passed, Assamese Hindus will become a minority in just next five years. That will be advantageous for those elements who want Assam to be another Kashmir," the finance minister said. Sarma's remarks come in the wake of protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.

It seeks to grant citizenship to people from minority communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they do not possess any proper documentation. The Bill has been opposed by a large section of people and organisations in the Northeast.

(With inputs from agencies.)