Assam residents need not panic, will get opportunities to prove citizenship, says Rajnath

New Delhi: Ahead of the publication of NRC in Assam, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said there was no need to panic and all bonafide Indians will be given adequate opportunities to prove their citizenship.

In a series of tweets, the home minister said the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a list of Assam's citizens, is being updated in accordance with the 'Assam Accord' signed on August 15, 1985, and is being carried out as per the directions of the Supreme Court, which is continually monitoring the process.

"There is no reason for panic or fear. No person will be allowed to be harassed. We will ensure that every individual gets justice and is treated humanely," he said.

Singh assured that the NRC exercise is being carried out in an impartial, transparent and meticulous manner and will continue to be so.

"All individuals will have sufficient opportunity for all remedies available under the law. At every stage of the process, adequate opportunity is given to all persons to be heard," he said. The home minister said the entire process is being conducted according to law and a due procedure is being followed.

Singh said the central government wants to make it clear that the NRC, to be published on July 30, is only a draft and after draft publication, adequate opportunity for claims and objections will be available.

"All claims and objections will be duly examined. An adequate opportunity of being heard will be given before disposal of claims and objections. Only after that, final NRC will be published," he said.

The home minister said the Citizenship Rules provide that any person who is not satisfied with the outcome of claims and objections can appeal in the Foreigner's Tribunal.

Therefore, there is no question of anyone being put in a detention centre after the publication of NRC, he said.

Singh said the Assam government had been asked to ensure that law and order is maintained and no one is allowed to take the law into their hands.