Assam: Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia decries CAA implementation, calls it a blow to state's integrity

Denouncing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Debarata Saikia, leader of the Assam Congress has lambasted the central government for what he perceives as a betrayal of Assam's sentiments and a disregard for its integrity.

Addressing the media, Saikia expressed deep concern over the implementation of the CAA, stating, "Today, the central government has shattered the national integrity sentiments of the people of Assam by implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). They have dashed the hopes of the Jana Gana in Assam."

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which has been rolled out nationwide, including in Assam, has stirred significant controversy since its inception. Saikia criticized the ruling BJP government for allegedly prioritizing political gains over the welfare of the state's inhabitants.

Saikia accused the Centre and the BJP government of reneging on promises made to safeguard Assamese sentiments, unity, culture, and tradition. He asserted, "They have provided opportunities to foreigners staying in Assam after 2014, which is entirely unacceptable and very unfortunate."

Pointing to the Assam Accord, a historic agreement aimed at resolving the state's longstanding citizenship issues, Saikia stated the violation of its provisions by the central government. He lamented the government's failure to adhere to the Accord's mandate of detecting and expelling foreigners who arrived in Assam after March 25, 1971.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Assam, Saikia called for widespread protests against the implementation of the CAA. He affirmed the Congress party's unwavering support for the state's residents and their rights.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially notified the rules governing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) today, marking a crucial step towards the law's implementation across the nation. However, the move has triggered immediate backlash, particularly in Assam, where concerns over its implications run deep.

The CAA, which grants expedited citizenship to persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, excluding Muslims, has been a subject of intense debate and dissent since its inception. Under its provisions, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi refugees fleeing religious persecution in these countries before December 31, 2014, are eligible for Indian citizenship.

Announcing the development, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs stated, "Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be notifying today, the Rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for grant of Indian citizenship. The applications will be submitted in a completely online mode for which a web portal has been provided."

The decision comes on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that the CAA would be implemented ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, reaffirming the government's commitment to its agenda.