Assam's CAA Conundrum: Only Eight Applicants in Four Years

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that only eight people have applied for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) from the state. Despite outreach efforts, most Hindu-Bengali families prefer the Foreigners Tribunal route. Sarma addressed various issues, including legal provisions and blocked Aadhaar cards.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma disclosed on Monday that only eight individuals have applied for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) from the state so far. He elaborated that out of these applicants, only two have attended interviews with the relevant authorities.

During a press conference, Sarma mentioned that the Centre had implemented the CAA on March 11, by notifying the rules four years after the law was passed by Parliament. The law aims to fast-track citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014, and have lived here for five years.

Sarma explained that outreach programs were conducted in the Barak valley, approaching Hindu-Bengali families to apply for citizenship under CAA. However, they declined, opting instead to fight their cases at the Foreigners Tribunal. Legal experts noted that those declared foreigners by the Tribunals could still apply under the CAA if the verdict is unfavorable.

(With inputs from agencies.)