Assam will always remain for Assamese, says Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

GUWAHATI: In the face of continuing protests over CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act)-2019 in Assam, Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal organised a press conference in Guwahati on Friday, December 20, to alleviate fear of the Assamese community and assure people of the state that their language, land, culture and rights will always be safeguarded for future.

He assured that the Assamese will always stay as the language of the state. He said that it is important to bring peace to the state and restore harmony within various communities living in the region.

It is essential to have a dialogue with whoever is taking leadership of this movement, Sonowal added.

The Chief Minister warned against divisive politics and condemned acts of vandalism which aimed at setting a fire and causing damage to public property. Strict actions will be taken against those people, the CM confirmed.

He debunked the theory propagated by some sections and vested interests that have spread misinformation that illegal refugees will be pouring into the state as a result of the Act and an estimated 1.5 crore Hindu Bangladeshis will be given citizenship under CAA. He cautioned people against the narrative which was an aim to create disharmony within the region.

After reviewing applications of only those people who have been living in the state for decades, they will be considered and a list will be published after their applications are processed after proper review, he confirmed.

The Chief Minister said that his government has set up a 14-member committee to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord that grants "constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people."

He reiterated the assurance given by the BJP leadership in Delhi that no Muslims who are citizens of India will be harassed or harmed because of this Act.

Various organizations and institutions in Assam have been organizing peaceful demonstrations against CAA for many days now. After 10 days, Internet services in the state have been restored.

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