New Delhi: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced that all new Aadhaar card applicants in the state will have to submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number (ARN). He further said that this would help prevent the “influx of illegal foreigners” in Assam.
Addressing a press conference, Sarma said, “Applications for Aadhaar cards exceed the population, which suggests the presence of questionable citizens. Therefore, we have decided that new applicants must provide their NRC ARN.”
‘Intensifying efforts to remove illegal immigrants from Assam’
“We are intensifying efforts to remove illegal immigrants from Assam. The State Government is initiating a series of coordinated actions that include enhanced surveillance, closer coordination with central agencies, additional deployment of force among others,” Sarma posted on social media platform X along with SOPs.
We are intensifying efforts to remove illegal immigrants from Assam. The State Government is initiating a series of coordinated actions that include enhanced surveillance, closer coordination with central agencies, additional deployment of force among others. @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/DozR1GwTqJ
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 7, 2024
He added that this requirement will not apply to the 9.55 lakh individuals whose biometrics were locked during the NRC process. He highlighted that four districts in the state have reported Aadhaar card applications exceeding their total population. These include Barpeta at 103.74%, Dhubri at 103%, and both Morigaon and Nagaon at 101%.
‘Growing number of illegal immigrants in Assam’
In Assam, Aadhaar cards will only be issued to new applicants after the district commissioner issues a no-objection certificate, which will be granted following a thorough examination of the applicant’s details. If an applicant provides an NRC ARN, it is clear they were present in the state prior to 2014, Sarma explained, adding that the central government has granted states the authority to decide whether to issue Aadhaar card to an individual or not.
The Assam government also plans to intensify efforts to identify illegal foreigners, with several Bangladeshi nationals having been apprehended and handed over to the authorities in the last two months. Sarma pointed to reports of a growing number of illegal immigrants, prompting the need for enhanced measures across the state.
SOP’s to be followed
To bolster these efforts, he announced increased surveillance and patrolling in border areas under the jurisdiction of border outposts, along with stronger collaboration with the BSF and other central agencies.
The state government will also enhance intelligence-gathering mechanisms, focusing on cross-border networks and infiltration routes, while launching community awareness programmes in border areas. Residents will be encouraged to report any suspicious activities or new settlers to aid in the early detection of potential illegal immigrants.
Since January 2024, 54 illegal immigrants have been detected, with 48 in Karimganj, four in Bongaigaon, and one each in Haflong GRP and Dhubri district.
Sarma concluded by affirming the state’s intensified efforts to remove illegal immigrants, involving coordinated actions such as enhanced surveillance, greater collaboration with central agencies, and increased deployment of forces.