India: Draft census leaves 4 million Assam residents off citizenship list

Event

On Monday, July 30, the Assam state government published a draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which did not include the names of 4 million residents of Assam who have not submitted proof they or their parents arrived in India before the formation of Bangladesh on March 24, 1971. The government has stated that since it is a draft list and those who do not appear on the NRC have until September 28 to petition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged that he will not move to deport anyone and let the petition process work.

The latest news has increased tensions between the government and Muslim Bangladeshis in Assam. The results of the NRC and its subsequent petition process, the reactions of the state and local government, as well as residents in Assam, could result in unrest in the northeastern Indian state in the coming months. Protests and confrontations with security forces are possible.

Context

Opposition groups in India accuse the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of polarizing the country and claimed the measure were intentional and the BJP is attempting to drive out Muslims living in Assam and other parts of eastern India. There has been an anti-immigrant movement in Assam lately with student groups labeling anyone who migrated from Bangladesh, even before its independence war in 1971, as "illegal citizens" and the state BJP chapter vowing to act against "outsiders" and push "illegal Bangladeshis" out of Assam.  

Advice

Individuals in Assam state are advised to keep abreast of the local sociopolitical climate, avoid talking about sensitive topics in public, and avoid all potential protests and demonstrations as a precaution.