Amit Shah vows to remove infiltrators if BJP wins Assam
Amit Shah promises to remove infiltrators from Assam if BJP wins again.
Key Facts
Amit Shah: BJP will remove infiltrators if it wins Assam again
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Citizenship, Issues related to vulnerable sections
GS Paper III: Security - Linkages between development and spread of extremism
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on citizenship, NRC, CAA
Visual Insights
Assam: Location and Demographic Concerns
Map of Assam highlighting areas with significant demographic changes and border regions relevant to illegal immigration concerns.
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More Information
Background
The issue of 'infiltrators' in Assam has deep historical roots, stemming from the British colonial era when laborers were brought from other parts of India to work in tea plantations. This migration continued post-independence, exacerbated by the partition of India in 1947 and subsequent conflicts in neighboring countries. The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a major turning point, fueled by concerns over demographic changes and the perceived threat to the indigenous culture and identity.
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. This accord forms the basis for much of the current debate and policy regarding immigration in Assam.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update in Assam has been a significant development. The final NRC, published in 2019, excluded over 1.9 million applicants, leading to widespread debate and concerns about the process and its implications. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, further complicated the situation by offering a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.
The implementation of CAA has faced strong opposition in Assam and other parts of the country, with concerns raised about its constitutionality and potential impact on the demographic balance and secular fabric of India. The future of those excluded from the NRC and the implementation of CAA remain contentious issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the key promise made by Amit Shah regarding Assam, as per the news?
Amit Shah promised to remove infiltrators from Assam if the BJP wins the state again.
2. For UPSC Prelims, what is the central theme of Amit Shah's statement regarding Assam?
The central theme is the BJP's commitment to addressing illegal immigration and national security concerns in Assam by removing 'infiltrators'.
3. What is the historical background of the 'infiltrator' issue in Assam?
The issue stems from the British colonial era when laborers were brought to work in tea plantations, continuing post-independence and exacerbated by the partition of India and subsequent conflicts in neighboring countries. The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a major turning point.
4. What are the recent developments related to 'infiltrators' in Assam?
Recent developments include the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update in 2019, which excluded over 1.9 million applicants, and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed in 2019.
5. How might Amit Shah's statement impact common citizens in Assam?
The statement could create anxiety and uncertainty among residents, particularly those whose citizenship is questioned. It can also lead to social divisions and political polarization.
6. What are the pros and cons of removing 'infiltrators' from Assam?
Pros include enhanced national security and resource allocation for citizens. Cons include potential human rights violations, social unrest, and economic disruption due to the displacement of people.
7. What is the Assam Movement and why is it important in this context?
The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a movement against illegal immigration into Assam. It's important because it highlights the long-standing concerns and anxieties of the Assamese people regarding demographic changes and resource scarcity due to migration.
8. What are the key facts to remember about the NRC update in Assam for Prelims?
The final NRC, published in 2019, excluded over 1.9 million applicants. This is a key number to remember. The NRC aimed to identify illegal immigrants in Assam.
9. What are government initiatives related to identifying and dealing with illegal immigrants, as per the topic?
The National Register of Citizens (NRC) update is a significant government initiative aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in Assam. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) also impacts this issue.
10. What are the potential ethical considerations when dealing with the issue of 'infiltrators'?
Ethical considerations include balancing national security with human rights, ensuring due process and fair treatment for all individuals, and addressing the humanitarian needs of those displaced or rendered stateless.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Assam Accord of 1985? 1. It was signed between the Central Government and the Government of Assam. 2. It aimed to identify and deport illegal immigrants who entered Assam after March 24, 1971. 3. It granted citizenship to all refugees who entered Assam before 1971, regardless of their religion.
- 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 1 is CORRECT: The Assam Accord was indeed signed between the Central Government and the leaders of the Assam Movement, not the Government of Assam. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Accord's primary objective was to identify and deport illegal immigrants who entered Assam after March 24, 1971. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Assam Accord does not grant citizenship to all refugees before 1971 regardless of religion. It sets a cut-off date for citizenship eligibility.
2. With reference to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.It offers a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
- B.It applies to those who entered India before December 31, 2014.
- C.It includes Muslims among the religious minorities eligible for citizenship.
- D.It has faced opposition due to concerns about its constitutionality and impact on secularism.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option C is NOT correct: The CAA specifically excludes Muslims from the religious minorities eligible for citizenship. It includes Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam: 1. The NRC is a register containing names of all Indian citizens in Assam. 2. The NRC was first prepared in 1951. 3. The recent update of the NRC in Assam was conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court of India. 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: D
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The NRC aims to list all genuine Indian citizens residing in Assam. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The first NRC was indeed prepared in 1951 following the Census of India. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The recent update of the NRC was conducted under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court of India to ensure a fair and transparent process.