MHA asks Assam govt not to take action against anyone on basis of draft NRC

New Delhi: With Assam on edge ahead of the publication of the draft NRC, the Home Ministry on Wednesday asked the state government not to take any action against those whose names do not figure in the list of the state's citizens.

The ministry has also rushed over 22,000 central paramilitary troops to beef up security in Assam and adjoining areas to ensure peace and maintenance of law and order.

"There is no question of referring the persons whose names do not figure in the draft NRC to the Foreigners' Tribunal as people are entitled to file claims and objections, and a due opportunity has to be given to them before final publication," an advisory of the ministry said.

The home ministry said the Assam government had been advised to set up a state-level coordination committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary to ensure coordination among state agencies, National Register of Citizens (NRC) authorities and central agencies.

The Registrar General of India (RGI) has been asked to use all means of communication including websites, toll-free numbers, SMS etc., to provide information to the public about the draft NRC. An intensive public awareness campaign has been launched to disseminate information regarding the NRC process, options available for individuals whose names do not figure in the draft NRC, the procedure and timeline for filing claims and objections, etc. to address the concerns of people left out of the draft list.

The ministry said the question of referring any person to a detention centre based on the NRC exercise also does not arise.

"The state government has been asked to issue clear instructions in this regard to all administrative and police functionaries," it said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had assured that every individual will get justice and will be treated humanely.

The part draft of the NRC was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1, wherein the names of 1.9 crore of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated.

On July 30, the fate of all 3.29 crore applicants will be decided.