The Assam government has announced a significant crackdown on individuals who possess Aadhaar cards but did not apply for inclusion in the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that within the next two to four days, a major drive will commence targeting those who obtained Aadhaar cards without NRC registration.
State Government’s Announcement
During a press briefing amid panchayat election campaigns, CM Sarma emphasized the state’s commitment to identifying and acting against individuals who have acquired Aadhaar cards without being part of the NRC process. He noted that while the government has already halted the issuance of Aadhaar cards to those who did not apply for the NRC, many had obtained them prior to this decision.
Districts with Aadhaar Anomalies
The Chief Minister highlighted that four districts—Barpeta, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Nagaon—have reported Aadhaar card issuance exceeding their projected populations. Specifically, Barpeta has a 103.74% issuance rate, Dhubri at 103.48%, Morigaon at 101.74%, and Nagaon at 100.68%. Dhubri’s proximity to the Bangladesh border raises concerns about cross-border illegal immigration.
Historical Context of NRC in Assam
The NRC, originally compiled in 1951, was updated in Assam to identify genuine Indian citizens and detect illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh. The updated NRC, published in August 2019, excluded over 19.06 lakh applicants out of approximately 3.3 crore, leading to widespread debates and legal challenges.
Implications for Residents and Migrants
The government’s decision to link Aadhaar issuance with NRC registration has significant implications. Individuals excluded from the NRC but possessing Aadhaar cards may face legal actions, including deportation. Conversely, genuine residents who missed the NRC application deadline but have Aadhaar cards might also be affected, raising concerns about potential injustices.
Legal and Human Rights Considerations
Linking Aadhaar, primarily an identity verification tool, with citizenship documentation like the NRC, has sparked debates among legal experts and human rights activists. Critics argue that such measures could lead to statelessness for many and violate fundamental rights. The government’s move is seen as a step towards stringent immigration control, but it also necessitates careful implementation to avoid unintended consequences for legitimate residents.
Political Reactions and Opposition Concerns
Political parties and civil rights organizations have reacted sharply to the Assam government’s latest move. Opposition leaders argue that the action could further alienate marginalized communities and lead to large-scale harassment of genuine Indian citizens. Several regional parties have demanded transparency in the verification process and assurance that no citizen will be wrongfully targeted during the crackdown. They also called for setting up independent grievance redressal mechanisms to handle disputes.
Aadhaar and NRC: Legal Disconnect
Experts point out that Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship but merely a proof of identity and residence. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly ruled that Aadhaar cannot be used to establish nationality. Therefore, using Aadhaar possession as a parameter to question someone’s citizenship status could trigger a series of legal battles. Advocates stress that any administrative action must be firmly grounded in legal frameworks to avoid constitutional violations.
Impact on Daily Lives
Residents in affected districts fear that the crackdown may severely impact their daily lives. Access to government welfare schemes, educational opportunities, healthcare, and even employment could become complicated for those who find themselves under suspicion. Past instances of NRC-related administrative actions have shown that delays in verification often leave people in bureaucratic limbo for months or even years.
Administrative Preparations Underway
In preparation for the action, the Assam government has directed district administrations to start compiling lists of individuals whose Aadhaar numbers do not align with NRC data. Special task forces are being formed at the district level to carry out verification drives. Authorities claim that genuine citizens who missed NRC registration due to clerical errors or documentation issues will be given fair opportunity to appeal and prove their citizenship.
Broader Implications for India
The move in Assam could set a precedent for other Indian states dealing with concerns around undocumented immigration. States like West Bengal and Tripura, which have also raised alarms over cross-border infiltration, are closely watching the developments. If Assam’s model is deemed successful, similar drives linking Aadhaar verification to citizenship status could be rolled out elsewhere, reshaping the future of identity and documentation systems in India.
