What Has Caused Making NRC Applicable on Assamese

The flow of migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, particularly the Rohingya Muslim, has significantly contributed to the current scenario in Assam. These migrations, both recent and over the past decade, have led to a complex socio-political situation, impacting the local communities in various ways.

The Problem Faced by Locals

There are several critical issues that the locals in Assam face as a result of the influx of migrants:

Overpopulation: The sudden increase in population has strained resources and services, such as healthcare, education, and housing. Job Loss: Locals are losing their jobs to the newly arrived migrants, causing economic hardship and social unrest. Insecurity: There is a growing sense of insecurity among the locals, fueled by concerns about their safety and the potential changes they face in their community. Cultural Exploitation: The culture and traditions of the indigenous Assamese people are being exploited or overshadowed by the influx of new populations.

Background and Legal Framework

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was taken to the Supreme Court in 2013 to address the problem of illegal migrants from Bangladesh and other neighboring countries. The ruling established that citizens of Assam, as per the new rule, are those who came between 1 January 1966 and 25 March 1971 and have resided in the state for almost 10 years after registering.

A Hypothetical Scenario

To understand the impact of the migration crisis, let's consider a hypothetical scenario involving two families, one from the majority and the other from the minority groups, in a town in Assam.

The Scenario

In a town in Assam, there is a hospital that can accommodate only 100 patients and an office that can employ 30 people. There are two families: one named A, who belongs to the majority, and one named B, who belongs to the minority. The official language is Assamese, and Bengali is spoken by the minority group. A is Hindu, and B is Muslim.

Suppose A had two children, while B had ten. Each child of A then has two children, while each child of B has six to ten children. Over the years, the B family grew exponentially compared to the A family. This rapid growth in the B family has shifted the demographics, making B the majority in the town, and A has become a minority.

As a result, the official language changed to Bengali, and Assamese became a minority language. This scenario could be a microcosm of what is happening in certain districts of Assam near the Bangladesh border, where the population dynamics have led to a shift in demographics and cultural influence.

Consequences and Ethical Considerations

The consequences of this unregulated migration include the gradual displacement and ethnic cleansing of the indigenous population. If this trend continues, the state of Assam could become Bangladesh de facto in a few hundred years. This scenario is similar to what happened in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1990s, where the majority of Kashmiri Pandits were displaced due to Muslim extremist activities.

It is crucial to address the root causes of this migration crisis and ensure that the NRC remains a viable tool to identify and manage illegal migrants, thereby protecting the rights and interests of the indigenous population.

Conclusion

The ongoing migration crisis in Assam is a complex and multi-faceted issue that has significant implications for the local population. Adequate measures must be taken to manage this crisis and preserve the socio-cultural fabric of the state. The NRC plays a vital role in this regard, and it is essential to continue its implementation to ensure the security and sustainability of the Assamese people.