Only Assam Assembly has got the right to provide definition of the term ‘Assamese’: HBS

August 12: It is only the Assam Legislative Assembly which has got the right to provide a definition of the term ‘Assamese.” The union government has got np role to play in this respect. The Legislative Assembly reflects the wishes and thoughts of the people and the parties. Until and unless, the State Assembly comes up with an acceptable definition of the term “Assamese,” the central government does not have anything much to do as regards Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. This was stated by Cabinet Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press briefing at Janata Bhawan of Wednesday afternoon. It needs mention here that AASU made public the report of Clause 6 committee on Tuesday.

He further said that the State government will bring up this issue on the floor of the Assembly at one time or the other. It will then be debated and discussed and an acceptable definition will be formulated. It is only after that the central government can step into this matter. By formation of the Delimitation Committee, the Union Government has adopted a step forward in this regard of Clause 6.

The minister also said that the committee formed for drafting Clause 6 has stated that the report needs to be implemented within a period of two years. The committee further stated that there are some complex issues in the Clause 6 draft which needs to get finalised either by a 3-member committee or by a retired judge of Supreme Court. Himanta said, “By making the report public, AASU has not done any help but rather has made the issue more complicated.” He, however, mentioned that the state government is promise bound to implement the provisions of Clause 6.

“Any definition of the term Assamese cannot just be given by 12 persons. It is only the Assam Legislative Assembly who is actually authorised to provide the definition of Assamese,” said Himanta Biswa Sarma. He also said, “How can we determine 1951 as the base year? Will there be another NRC taking 1951 as base year? The committee is silent on these issues. How can I take the cut-off year as 1951? Will it require another NRC or land documents? Even many of our own people do not have land documents of 1951. So the committee itself has given the state government two years time to streamline the entire unresolved procedure. I urge upon the people not to get tensed or confused.”

He further said,”Moreover, at the fag end of our term, whether we are competent enough to decide an acceptable Assamese definition. It will be better if a new Assembly decides about the definition after assuming charge. Now our mandate is almost over. We just have 6 months mandate left. But nevertheless, if the Assam Assembly feels it proper to discuss and ratify the definition of “Assamese”, then it could be done even in the fag end of our term and send it to the central government for further action.”