With just four days left for the publication of the NRC on August 31, the Assam Government on Tuesday said it will provide free legal aid to “needy” people whose names do not figure in it, as it sought to assuage the fears of bonafide Indians who apprehend losing citizenship.
Besides the Government, the State's ruling BJP and Opposition Congress have also come forward to assist bonafide Indians who are kept out of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Non-governmental organisation- Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP)- of civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad has also volunteered to navigate the complex issue of citizenship after publication of the final NRC.
The promise of legal assistance comes in the backdrop of apprehension voiced by people who fear they could be left out of the NRC, which many in Assam consider a protective shield for the indigenous people so they are not confined to detention camps or deported to Bangladesh.
The Assam Government on Tuesday promised it will make necessary arrangements to provide legal aid to such people through District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA).
Those left out of the NRC will not be detained "under any circumstances" until the Foreigners Tribunals declare them foreigners, said Assam's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Kumar Sanjay Krishna.
Noting that under the provisions of the Foreigners' Act, 1946, and Foreigners Tribunal Order, 1964, only Foreigners Tribunals are empowered to declare a person a foreigner, the statement said.