Home Minister Rajnath Singh Friday reassured the nation that no genuine Indian will be left out of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC). Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Singh also reiterated no coercive action will be taken against those whose names have been excluded from the final NRC draft.
“I am saying this again that no coercive action will be taken against anyone in any situation. Attempts to create an atmosphere of fear are condemnable,” the Union Home Minister said in the Upper House of Parliament.
#JustIn | I am saying this again, that no coercive action will be taken against anyone in any situation. Attempts to create an atmosphere of fear are condemnable: Home Minister @rajnathsingh in Rajya Sabha (ANI)
— NEWS LIVE (@NewsLiveGhy) August 3, 2018
He also allayed fears that the entire 40 lakh people whose names have been excluded from the draft NRC will lose Indian citizenship and termed such accusations unfortunate.
“I would like to repeat it’s a draft and not the final NRC. Everyone will get a chance to appeal. It’s a totally fair process. Unwarranted accusations are unfortunate,” Singh added.
#JustIn | Whole procedure of #NRC update was undertaken under supervision of Supreme Court. I would like to repeat it's a draft and not final, everyone will get chance to appeal. Its a totally fair process. Unwarranted accusations are unfortunate: HM @rajnathsingh in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/IDsAsbbjgO
— NEWS LIVE (@NewsLiveGhy) August 3, 2018
Singh further said the procedure to update the NRC first began in 1985 after the signing of the Assam Accord and that the decision to update the citizens’ register was taken by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2005.
“The procedure of NRC (update) started in 1985 through the Assam Accord when late Rajiv Gandhi ji was PM. The decision to update was taken by Dr Manmohan Singh ji in 2005. The whole procedure was undertaken under the supervision of the Supreme Court,” the union Home Minister further said.
#JustIn | Procedure of #NRC started in 1985 through the #Assam Accord when late Rajiv Gandhi ji was PM. The decision to update was taken by Dr Manmohan Singh ji in 2005: Home Minister @rajnathsingh in Rajya Sabha. #NRCAssam (ANI) pic.twitter.com/U8tWxnNWq7
— NEWS LIVE (@NewsLiveGhy) August 3, 2018
The development came after Opposition parties cried foul over the draft NRC published on Monday (July 30) in which over 40 lakh people were left out although people who have not found their names in the final draft will be eligible to re-apply and submit their claims and objections.
