NEW DELHI, Sept 1 � The logjam over suspension of the pilot project of updating of the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) in Barpeta is likely to be resolved soon, with the Centre pressing the State Government to work out a consensus to break the stalemate.
Highly placed sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the Centre is closely monitoring the developments relating to the pilot project. The Home Ministry has impressed on the Assam Government to resolve the impasse without further delay.
The issue, which has taken a strong political overtone because of involvement of various minority groups has landed the Congress Government in a spot. AUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal apparently trying to fish in the troubled water met several Congress leaders including UPA ministers alleging that genuine Indian citizens were being harassed.
With the elections round the corner, the Congress Party is treading cautiously fearing an outrage among the minority community.
However, sources in the Home Ministry strongly defended the form that is in the centre of the controversy, arguing that the information about the antecedents of the respondent was essential.
A person has to provide information to the government about his presence in the country to link up with NRC of 1951 or the subsequent electoral rolls.
�We simply have to know where a person�s family was during the period in question, to ascertain his antecedents,� said the official.
The apprehension is over few clauses in the form, which would be resolved, said the official.
Sources said the Centre is in touch with the State Government and assisting in resolving the stalemate. They are talking to all the major stakeholders including All Assam Students Union (AASU), All Assam Minority Students Union (AAMSU). A broad consensus is likely to emerge after which the stalled process would resume, he added.
Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi had constituted a Cabinet Sub-committee to resolve the logjam and is in the process of examining the objections raised by the minority community.
