PM Modi Accuses Congress of Land Concession in Assam
PM Modi alleges Congress favored infiltrators in Assam for votes.
Photo by David Tyemnyák
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to Assam, accused the Congress party of handing over Assam's land to infiltrators for votes. Modi launched the Kaziranga project, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting the state's resources and indigenous communities.
He criticized the Congress for allegedly prioritizing vote-bank politics over the interests of Assam and its people. The Prime Minister highlighted the BJP's efforts to secure Assam's borders and promote development in the region.
Key Facts
PM Modi launched Kaziranga project
Allegation: Congress favored infiltrators for votes
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Issues related to citizenship, federalism, and social justice
GS Paper I: History - Historical background of migration and Assam Accord
GS Paper III: Security - Border management and internal security challenges
Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on CAA, NRC, Assam Accord; Analytical questions on the impact of immigration on Assam's socio-political landscape
Visual Insights
Assam: Key Locations and Concerns
Highlights Kaziranga National Park, border regions, and areas with significant indigenous populations, reflecting the PM's focus on resource protection, border security, and indigenous community development.
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More Information
Background
The issue of land rights and immigration in Assam has deep historical roots, stemming from the colonial era when the British encouraged migration from other parts of India to work in tea plantations. This influx continued post-independence, leading to demographic shifts and anxieties among the indigenous population. The Assam Accord of 1985, signed between the central government and the leaders of the Assam Movement, aimed to address these concerns by identifying and deporting illegal immigrants who entered the state after March 24, 1971.
However, the implementation of the Accord has been fraught with challenges, including difficulties in identifying and deporting illegal immigrants, and debates over the definition of 'Assamese' identity. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, further complicated the issue by offering citizenship to religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who migrated from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014, sparking widespread protests in Assam due to fears of further demographic change.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Assam government has focused on updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify illegal immigrants. The final NRC, published in 2019, excluded over 1.9 million people, leading to concerns about their future and citizenship rights. The process has been criticized for its flawed methodology and potential for exclusion of genuine citizens.
The implementation of the CAA remains a contentious issue, with ongoing legal challenges and protests. The government has also emphasized border security measures to prevent further illegal immigration, including increased patrolling and technological surveillance. Furthermore, there's a growing emphasis on protecting the rights and culture of indigenous communities through various legislative and administrative measures, alongside efforts to promote economic development and infrastructure projects in the region.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Assam Accord of 1985: 1. It aimed to identify and deport illegal immigrants who entered Assam after January 1, 1966. 2. It granted citizenship to those who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 24, 1971, after a period of ten years. 3. It was signed between the Central Government and representatives of various political parties in Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Assam Accord was signed between the Central Government and the leaders of the Assam Movement, not all political parties. Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the provisions of the Assam Accord.
2. With reference to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.It grants citizenship to religious minorities who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
- B.It applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who entered India before December 31, 2014.
- C.It provides a path to citizenship for illegal migrants regardless of their religion or country of origin.
- D.It does not apply to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Show Answer
Answer: C
The CAA does not provide a path to citizenship for illegal migrants regardless of their religion or country of origin. It specifically targets religious minorities (excluding Muslims) from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
3. Which of the following committees/commissions is/are associated with issues related to land rights and indigenous communities in India? 1. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee 2. Bhuria Commission 3. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee is associated with Panchayati Raj institutions. The Bhuria Commission and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes are associated with issues related to land rights and indigenous communities.