Fool-proof security in Assam in run-up to NRC release: DGP

The Assam Police has taken all measures to avoid any untoward incident in the run-up to the release of the final NRC on August 31, DGP Kuladhar Saikia said here on Tuesday. The National Register of Citizens (NRC), touted to a proof of Assamese identity, is being updated with March 24, 1971 as the cut-off date for legitimate claims to citizenship.

"Fool-proof security" is in place at all sensitive areas in the state and the situation being monitored, the director general of police told reporters on the sidelines of a book launch event. "We have identified sensitive areas and asked security personnel to keep a strict vigil. They have been told to act promptly in case of any untoward incident," Saikia said.

Asked if the state government has sought additional forces from the Centre, the DGP said, "Adequate forces are available in the state, but the Centre has given assurances that it will send additional companies, if necessary." Officers at the district level are keeping a close watch on the developments and dealing with matters at the ground level, the DGP insisted. "If, at any point, they feel there is need for additional forces, we will hold discussions and deal with the situation accordingly," he said.

Saikia urged people to maintain calm and not give credence to rumours. The feedback regarding the law and order situation in the districts have so far been positive and "the police are hopeful that there will be no trouble", he said.

"We are working in a coordinated manner with different agencies and there has been no major issue (of concern) so far. Social media is being monitored from time to time to prevent the spread of rumours and fake news," the DGP added. Assam is the only state to have a National Register of Citizens (NRC). The register was first prepared in 1951 under the purview of the Census Act, 1948.

The state has seen a huge influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century. In July last year, 40,07,707 people out of a total 3,29,91,384 applicants did not make it to the final draft of the NRC. An additional 1,02,462 persons were included in the list of excluded persons in June, taking the total ineligible persons to 41,10,169.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has repeatedly appealed to people not to panic if their names do not appear in the final NRC. He had on August 23 reviewed the law and order situation at a meeting with deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all the districts to thwart any attempt at causing disturbance after the publication of NRC.

The state government also said that it would provide legal aid to people whose names do not figure in the list..