39 ‘foreigner’ families make it to draft NRC

MANGALDOI (ASSAM): August 7 is a red-letter date for many in Assam. For, it is from this date that people can approach the 2,500 NRC Seva Kendras across Assam to find out why their names have failed to figure in the draft National Register of Citizens published on Monday.

Tarun Nath (48), a resident of Nagaon in Mangaldoi is one of the residents waiting to visit the local Seva Kendra to get the application through which he can apply and seek the reasons for noninclusion of his name in the NRC.

Nath told ET: “I have applied and furnished the requisite documents. However, my name was not there in the draft NRC. I am looking for the form. People are telling me that it will be available only on August 7 at the NRC Seva Kendra. I am hopeful I will make it to the final NRC.”


Meanwhile, around 39 families who were declared foreigners by the tribunal have made it to the draft NRC. Deputy Commissioner of Morigaon district, Heman Das, said: “Around 39 families who were declared foreigners have made their entry into NRC. We will ensure that their names are removed from the final list.”

The Bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Rohinton Nariman had ordered the government, in consultation with State NRC Coordinator Prateek Hajela, to frame a ‘fair’ standard operating procedure (SOP) to deal with the claims and objections of those who did not find their names in the draft NRC. The NRC Directorate is presently framing the SOP. The process for filing the claims and objections will start from August 30 and continue till September 28.

NRC coordinator, Prateek Hajela, told ET: “The Seva Kendras will have an application form, where a person will provide his details and the reason for his non-inclusion will be provided. We are anticipating a rush initially and accordingly have made arrangements to address the grievances.”

Along with 150 additional companies of central paramilitary forces, security forces had ensured that there was no untoward incidents post the NRC publication.

There were Intelligence inputs that the NRC process will be targeted by unscrupulous elements to foment trouble in Assam.

Additional DGP (special branch) Pallab Bhattacharya told ET: “We have reviewed the security of Seva Kendras and police pickets are posted outside the Kendras.” “Different districts have prepared vulnerability reports and identified sensitive pockets. These pockets will be monitored and reviewed. Vigil is maintained on the movements (of people).”

Vigil has also been stepped up along the interstate border districts.

Police are maintaining a close watch on the river paths along the border areas of Jiribam district. Boats have been deployed and continuous patrolling is being done.