The NRC process in Assam seems to have ticked of fa few bombs on the side of the opposition parties, the least not being Mamata Banerjee. She’s gone even to the extent of saying there will be blood bath and civil war in the country. Her party (TMC) has been at the fore front leading the charge against the NRC in Assam. As Chief Minister, she should have refrained from using such toxic language. It is indeed very unbecoming of someone holding a constitutional post. Such kind of behavior leads to tension and unrest in society. Everyone needs to be aware of the fact that the NRC is under the direction and supervision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. This has been necessitated to weed out illegal immigrants from Assam and this has also long been a popular demand of the people of Assam. What we also need to be aware of is the fact that those whose name shave been left out can approach the concerned authorities to appeal their case. One such authority is the Foreigners Tribunal. There are proper mechanisms to address everyone’s concerns. But we must also accept the fact that there are indeed illegal immigrants swarming Assam in particular and the North East in general, andhence, we need to rid ourselves of this problem. If anyone has any problem, particularly the opposition, they ought to raise the issue in a dignified manner. By catering to vote bank sand selfish interests, the NRC has been made a mockery by people like Mamata Banerjee. One needs to tread carefully on such a sensitive issue.
If there are any loopholes, the opposition can point them out but in such a way that communal harmony is maintained. Rumor mongering does not bring any good.
The future of Assam and the rest of the North East is at risk because of illegal immigrants mainly from Bangladesh, and as such, the NRC is a much welcome measure. In this regard, I would also once again, while appreciating the Nagaland government for undertaking various preventive measures in the event of any NRC fallout, make an appeal to the concerned authorities and agencies to remain stead fast and alert. Nagaland is facing a situation of its own. We need to come up with a proper mechanism of screening illegal immigrants and it has to be done at the earliest. Our survival is at risk.
May good sense prevail.
I Longkumer
