A large portion of the Indian state of Assam shares its border with Bangladesh, the latter always more impoverished than their erstwhile northern part, West Pakistan. The state won their liberation war with Pakistan with the support of India in 1971. The new-born country was a darling for India and borders existed only on paper, as the movement of men and materials, much needed for the rebuilding of their nation went unhindered.
The period also saw a massive influx of poor immigrants from Bangladesh, looking for a means of livelihood. It began to hurt employment and livelihood opportunities of locals, resulting in continued disturbances for years together.
Finally, in 1985 the Assam Accord was signed between the Central government under the Prime ministership of Rajiv Gandhi and the All Assam Students’ Union. Under the accord, a National Register of Citizens with a cut-off date to be a legal citizen as March 24, 1971, was to be published. One needed to prove their or their ancestor’s entry before the cut-off date into India with documentary evidence.
The work on the NRC was put into cold storage by successive Congress governments, but the government had to begin the NRC survey as disturbances resurfaced four years ago. Under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court, the NRC will be published tomorrow, on August 31, 2019. Though the process is to ascertain the citizenship, the publication would include declared Foreigners and Doubtful Voters. The fate of over 40 lakhs persons likely to be excluded in the NRC may hang in the balance throwing Assam into another cycle of anarchy and chaos.
It is easier said than done for immigrants to carry any documents, while fleeing war, or natural calamities. For the people from the war-ravaged Bangladesh, India was the only hope, their next door and not too different from language, food and culture. The initial influx could have helped Assam, and West Bengal with cheaper labour, but the benefit is reaped by all over the country now. From domestic maids in Delhi to farm labourers across the country have many Bangladeshis, naturalised as citizens in India.
Most of them are Muslims, and there could lie the problem, as many with bogus identity cards vote in the elections, changing the demographic pattern of any voting. The central leaders have already announced that the NRC will be implemented in other parts of India as well, identifying and alienating all foreigners.
I shudder to think, as to the fate of the non-citizens identified. Bangladesh, already reeling under the impact of the influx of Rohingyas from Myanmar may not be able to add to their population in such massive numbers. It leaves me to wonder, why states bordering Bangladesh resisted in building secure borders and prevent such a colossal human misery.
My immediate prayer is, may peace prevail, and no politics enter the topic for smaller gain. The plight of the poor requires a humane consideration.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
Pic courtesy: Indian Express
