Assam to open detention camps to keep immigrants

GUWAHATI: The foreigners issue dominated proceedings of the state assembly on Monday. Assam revenue minister Bhumidhar Barman informed that two detention camps would be set up in the state.

Detention camps for keeping immigrants, the identity or nationality of which is yet to be established, will come up in Mancachar and Mahisashan.

Mr Burman, who was replying to a discussion initiated by Asom Gana Parishad legislator Keshab Mahanta, said the process of updating the national register of citizens (NRCs) is in process. Construction of barbed wire fencing along the border is in progress.

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi in the house suggested that till the NRC is completed, that state government can give permanent resident card (PRC) to citizens and this will help in detecting foreigners. If there is consensus we are ready to give PRC.

He assured that the government is serious to solve the foreigners problem. However this did not find favour with AGP. The party legislators pointed out that it will further assist the foreigners as they will have one more document in the hand.

Keshav Mahanta wanted that government must spell out by when the work of fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border will completed.

Mr Barman added, The new regime under Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh is sympathetic to India. She has initiated action against the extremists elements.