GUWAHATI, Sept 9 - Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that the State Government had no objection to the Centre�s decision to grant entry and stay rights to Hindu migrants who had fled Bangladesh and Pakistan owing to religious persecution.
Gogoi told mediapersons that the State Government�s opinion was also sought for the purpose and �we have not objected to the decision as it was in consonance with our stand vis-�-vis Hindu migrants from Bangladesh. They merit refugee status on humanitarian ground.�
Answering a question whether Assam � already reeling under large-scale infiltration from Bangladesh � should be made to bear the burden of Hindu migrants as well, Gogoi evaded a direct reply, saying �where does Assam have land for the purpose?�
To another question whether the decision to accept Hindu refugees would dilute the Assam Accord that mandated detection and deportation of illegal migrants irrespective of their religious affiliation, the Chief Minister said that the Assam Accord could change a little with changing circumstances.
�Anyway, the Hindu migrants will not get citizenship status, but will live as refugees,� he added.
