PM Modi defends Citizenship Bill, says ‘No room for intruders in Assam’

February 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Guwahati on Friday amid huge protest by All Assam Students Association (AASU), Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) among others. On Saturday, PM Modi performed ‘Bhumi Puja’ for AIIMS at Changsari on the outskirts of Guwahati and addressed a public rally.

I bow to Assam’s great culture. Addressing a rally in Amingaon. Watch. https://t.co/pjRoUN9AeO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2019

Narendra Modi, who has been facing the wrath of people of northeastern states over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 attempted to pacify the brewing anger saying the “bill will not harm Assam and Northeast.” The PM also said, “Citizenship Bill issue is not related only to Northeast or Assam — it is for people who want to live by their faith and for that have to save their lives and escape and come to Maa Bharti. What they had to undergo you can understand when you meet them.”

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to religious minority from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India even if they do not possess any document. The bill has triggered panic in the Northeast where people have expressed fears that the prospect of citizenship will encourage migration from Bangladesh. Passed by the Lok Sabha during the last Winter Session, the bill is awaiting nod from the Rajya Sabha.

Also Read: Amid wide protests PM Modi arrives in Guwahati

PM Modi began his speech by invoking late Bhupen Hazarika to lash out at the previous central governments for “taking several decades to honour” the renowned Assamese poet-singer. He said, “I leave it up to you to decide who is responsible for the delay of decades in honouring Dr Bhupen Hazarika” and recognising the “true gem of Assam”.

Defending the Bill, PM Modi said, “Be it from Pakistan, Afghanistan or Bangladesh… they were all part of India once, but after Partition they became minorities in their own countries. Be it Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, Christians, and Hindus, who had earlier decided to remain in their homes but faced persecution, realised that it is only in India where they can live freely. So they ran away and came to India seeking refuge. For decades, they have lived and worked here and contributed to the country. They must now get recognition as Indian citizens.”