Yes. The National Register of Citizens is being updated (for the first time) under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Whatever directions the court has given, we are following them. Our motto is to have an error-free NRC. In no other state has such an order been given by the Supreme Court. This was possible because of the long-standing demand of the people of Assam, which the court found valid.
But there are allegations of errors in detecting illegal settlers. The Supreme Court has asked only to update the NRC.
No. That is wrong. We are trying to make Assam free of foreigners. I feel it is the duty of the government. We are happy that the Supreme Court has acknowledged that.
How are you so sure that innocents will not be harassed?
Because, we have adopted scientific and modern methods for detecting intruders. The process has been accepted by the court.
What is that?
We have asked people to prove their identities. If they can prove it there is no problem. Otherwise they would be branded as foreigners and all benefits, subsidy and the national resources that Indian nationals enjoy will be withdrawn. The NRC will be the constitutional document.
Do you have any idea how many foreigners are there? Investigators and experts say it could be more than 10 lakh.
Being a chief minister, I don’t want to speculate on numbers. Let the entire NRC take shape.
If there are errors, these people will go to the High Court or the Supreme Court. It might take decades to settle all cases.
Maybe. But we can do little about it. All doubtful citizens will have to come clean on their own.
Will Bangladesh accept these people?
Why not? We have a very good relationship with them. Once the final figure comes out, we will take up the matter with them through the ministry of external affairs. We will settle the issue for ever.
There are Hindus who have entered India illegally. But the Union government wants to safeguard them with a citizenship amendment act.
Please take it in the spirit of humanity. The Union government has decided that people who are religiously persecuted in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan or any neighbouring country will be accepted here. I find nothing wrong in it. It shows the broad mind and humane approach we have adopted.
But you can show the same humane approach to Muslims.
Don’t forget that it’s the question of identity and the Supreme Court has found the reason valid. You cannot compare.
The Assam Accord does not accept both Hindus and Muslims from a foreign land.
Yes, maybe. But we will have to be humane in our approach. We cannot take our eyes off the humanitarian crisis which might evolve. India never shuts its eyes to people who are religiously persecuted in their country.
Do you think similar eviction drives should be there in other states?
Of course. This is a great method of doing that and should be followed by other states. Why should India not be a country free of illegal immigrants? Why should our national resources be enjoyed by people who don’t deserve it? It’s the fundamental duty of any government to get rid of illegal immigrants, like we are doing. You can call it a national duty as well.
A Muslim leader was recently killed. You have ordered a CBI inquiry.
It was the demand of the people. Let there be an impartial inquiry. I don’t have to hide anything.
Was he killed by a cattle smuggling gang?
I don’t want to comment on that. Some people are saying it. But being a chief minister I don’t want to influence the investigation.
