GUWAHATI, Feb 18 - Nagaland Governor PB Acharya, who also holds additional charge of Assam, has expressed serious concern over reports that doubtful birth certificates issued in Nagaland were found during the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and directed the officials to examine the matter immediately.
A press release issued by Nagaland Raj Bhawan stated that the Governor held an urgent meeting today with Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar and Home Commissioner Neihu C Thur and discussed about issuing of alleged doubtful birth certificates by Nagaland officials. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary revealed that they have received directions from the Supreme Court to strictly follow the legal guidelines in issuing birth certificates, in connection with National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The Governor also ordered immediate action against officials responsible for issuing birth certificates to those who are not from Nagaland. The Governor also observed that this will affect the national security, where Bangladeshis and other foreign nationals are reported to have entered in large numbers illegally.
The Governor has directed the Chief Secretary to take serious note of this matter and take immediate action against such officers without any reservation, considering the national security of the country.
The Assam State Coordinator for NRC, Prateek Hajela, in his submission to the Supreme Court, has submitted the constraints and difficulties to prepare the NRC within the time limit and to verify all the applicants. He had also said that verification of the authenticity of proofs, like birth certificates, will take time as they were issued from various States.
It is reported the districts of Nagaon, Barpeta, Morigaon and Karimganj of Assam have many applicants with birth certificates from Nagaland.