Assam has been on the boil ever since the government has tried to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955. The government's proposal, while providing for citizenship to Hindu, Sikh and Christian 'illegal migrants' from neighbouring countries.
Assam has been on the boil ever since the government has tried to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955. The government's proposal, while providing for citizenship to Hindu, Sikh and Christian 'illegal migrants' from neighbouring countries, does not making any provisions for those from Muslim sects, who also face persecution. The bill also changes the definition of 'illegal migrants' and reduces the time of continuous stay required to obtain citizenship by naturalisation. Newsclick spoke to former Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, who has been in the forefront of protests against the proposed law. Parties across the State have opposed to bill due to the demographic consequences it will have on the region.