DIBRUGARH, May 24 � A citizens� meet was convened at Lakshminath Bezbaroa Bhawan here on Saturday to discuss various issues relating to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The meeting, presided over by Dr Shristidhar Dutta, former Dean of Social Sciences of Rajiv Gandhi Central University, Itanagar, was attended by several leading citizens and leaders of local organisations, including non-governmental organisations.
Upamanyu Hazarika, a senior Supreme Court lawyer and convener of the Prabajan Virodhi Manch, a citizens� forum against influx, was the key speaker for the programme. Hazarika screened a short documentary to illustrate the threat posed by continuous influx from across the border and suggested ways to put a check to further infiltration.
Citing the recent population index of the districts of Barpeta, Karimganj, Nagaon, Dhubri, etc., the senior advocate said that the sudden population explosion in these districts was a matter of serious concern. He said that the people of Assam have to play proactive roles in protecting themselves and their land or else the indigenous people will be reduced to minorities very soon.
Hazarika said that an updated NRC has the potential to protect Assam and its people from foreign elements. �If the updating of the NRC is done in proper manner, Assam can be free from infiltration in future. We can protect our State and our people through the NRC,� he said.
Advocate Rintu Goswami from Jorhat also took part in the programme. Former AASU leader Rituparna Baruah, one of the convenors of the event, underlined the purpose of the meeting.
