TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ Home Minister Rajnath Singh making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the National Register of Citizens. He reiterated that the NRC was a draft and not a final list and everyone who was not on the list would get a chance to prove their citizenship. Unlike Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh was allowed to make the speech without any disruptions from the Opposition benches.
Excerpts of his speech…
The procedure of the NRC started in 1985 through the Assam accord when the late Rajiv Gandhiji was the PM. The decision to update was taken by Dr Manmohan Singhji in 2005. The Home Minister said there is no question of any discrimination against anyone who did not make the list. He also reiterated that no coercive action will be taken against anyone.
“People can still file their documents and I assure everyone that the procedure is and will be fair and objective. “The whole procedure of the NRC Assam was undertaken under the supervision of the Supreme Court. I would like to repeat that its a draft and not final, everyone will get chance to appeal. It’s a totally fair process. Unwarranted accusations are unfortunate,” he said.
“Indian citizens who have come to Assam from other states will be allowed to prove their citizenship. They will be get a chance to prove they are Indians,” Rajnath Singh said. Addressing the sense of fear and uncertainity in Assam, he said there is an attempt to provoke communal disharmony in the state. “It is unfortunate that some people are spreading lies. We will ensure peace is not disturbed in Assam. All parties should cooperate on this,” he said.
