Possibility of Revoking Citizenship for Four Million People in India

In a new list of census and registration of Indian citizens in Assam state published on Monday, the names of more than 4 million Bengali residents have not been included. This action, the latest in a long-standing campaign against migrants, puts the future of these individuals at risk. According to Reuters, in the wealthy state of Assam, which borders Bangladesh, social tensions and conflicts among various communities have intensified due to a persistent campaign against illegal migrants supported by the Hindu nationalist party. The head of the Census and Population Registration Office of India stated on Monday that out of 32 million people who submitted documents to prove their citizenship, more than 4 million have not been verified. The government stated, 'After reviewing and verifying the documents of all applicants, the complete list has been published.' Government officials say security measures in Assam have been intensified. Meanwhile, thousands of Bengali Muslims are worried that the government may transfer them to detention centers or even deport them. Witnesses told Reuters that army forces are protecting government buildings where people go to check their citizenship status. This list, referred to as the National Register of Citizens, has been published on the government website, but many people living in remote areas of Assam do not have internet access and are forced to travel to cities where the government has set up information counters. Critics say that compiling this list is an effort to expel the Muslim minority, and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party supports these actions. Ripon Bora, the Congress party leader in Assam who supports minorities, stated, 'They are trying to isolate Muslims. The number of those not included in this list is very high and surprising. We will fight this action.' The Bharatiya Janata Party has denied discriminatory actions and claims to oppose any policy that favors any minority or community. India's Home Minister stated that the registration and citizenship process has been impartial. Rajnath Singh said there is no reason for fear and those whose names are not on this list can resubmit their documents. In a session of the Indian Parliament, he stated, 'Some are trying to create an atmosphere of fear without reason. I want to assure everyone that there is no reason for anxiety and fear.' All residents of Assam were required to submit documents proving that they or their families had been residing in India before March 24, 1971. The head of the Census and Population Registration Office did not specify which ethnic and demographic groups the four million people include but reminded that 'according to this list, no individual will be handed over to detention centers or foreigner tribunals.' The Indian government announced that individuals whose names are not included in this list will have the opportunity to resubmit their documents from August 30 to September 28 and can also appeal in the foreigner tribunal.