Assam CM calls NRC draft historic

Congratulating the people of the state for the successful publication of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday said “the historic day will remain etched in their memories forever”.

The much-anticipated second and final draft of the NRC with 2.89 crore names out of the total 3.29 crore applicants was published around 10am.

The process of publishing the complete draft on Monday was carried out in cooperation with the Registrar General of India, along with the central and the state government officials, under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court, the chief minister said.

“Assam is a peaceful state and I am confident that all sections of the society will come forward to maintain peace and tranquillity. We always abide by the directions of the Supreme Court, and whatever it says, we will sincerely follow and observe it,” Sonowal told reporters here.

However, around 40.07 lakh applicants, did not find a place in the document, touted to be a proof of Assamese identity.

The first draft, with 1.9 crore names, was released on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1, this year.

A senior police officer said prohibitory orders under Sec 144 of CrPC have been imposed in all the 33 districts of the state as a precautionary measure in the wake of the NRC release.

The CM thanked the officials, who were involved in updating the NRC.

“For this remarkable feat, I extend my heartiest congratulations to the 55,000 officials engaged in the NRC updation process and the people living across the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys, plains and hills of the state,” he said.

Sonowal expressed confidence that the NRC, which has become the “instrument to safeguard the interest of greater Assamese society”, would be able to pave the way for realising the hopes and aspirations of the genuine Indian citizens.

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