NRC draft brings joy to some, worry for others

Publication of the complete draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam on Monday brought joy and relief to many whose names were in the list and cause for worry to those left out.

Shiladitya Dev, BJP MLA from Hojai: While names of his family members were included in the first draft of NRC, the firebrand BJP legislator’s name who is known for his anti-Bangaldeshi stance, was missing. His name is in the complete draft released on Monday. “It’s a welcome step that the complete draft has been published. We have to work harder now to ensure that foreigners are kept out of electoral rolls...,” said Dev

Mohd. Azmal Hoque, Retd junior commissioned officer of Indian Army: Hoque hit headlines in 2017 when he was summoned by foreigner’s tribunal to prove that he was an Indian citizen. Names of Hoque, his two children and his younger brother’s family are missing from Monday’s list. His wife, mother and elder brother’s family are in the list. “It is really sad that even after the foreigner’s tribunal cleared my name, we have to prove that we are Indian citizens,” said Hoque.

Badruddin Ajmal, Lok Sabha MP from Assam: The name of Ajmal, president of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), which is in opposition in Assam, was missing from the first draft of NRC released on December 31 last year. His name is in the complete draft. “Names of 40 lakh missing from the draft is not a small thing. But those left out have a chance to file claims. We want an error-free complete NRC list,” he said.

Kisore Nath, BJP MLA from Borkhola: Despite their names in the first draft of NRC, Nath and his six family members were summoned by a foreigners’ tribunal in May to prove his citizenship. “...Our names were in the first draft as well, but since we were summoned by the tribunal, there was some apprehension of being left out,” Nath said.