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Key Points

The Assam Jatiya Parishad has vehemently criticized the Centre's decision to extend the CAA cut-off date from 2014 to 2024. AJP president Lurinjyori Gogoi argues that this move is a direct assault on Assam's indigenous culture and identity. Despite fears of massive immigration, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claims only 12 citizenship applications have been processed in two years. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between national immigration policy and regional cultural preservation.

Key Points: Assam Leader Gogoi Blasts CAA Extension as Cultural Threat

  • AJP strongly opposes CAA cut-off date extension to 2024
  • Gogoi claims move threatens Assamese cultural identity
  • Only 12 citizenship applications processed in two years
  • Home Ministry extends deadline for minority communities from neighboring countries
3 min read

Assam opposition leader criticises Centre's decision to extend CAA cut-off date

AJP president Lurinjyori Gogoi condemns CAA deadline extension, calling it a conspiracy against Assam's indigenous population and identity.

"For 43 years, Assam has borne the burden of illegal immigrants. Now, the government is adding another ten years to that timeline. - Lurinjyori Gogoi, AJP President"

Guwahati, Sep 3

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has come out strongly against the Central government's decision to extend the cut-off date for granting citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) from December 31, 2014, to December 31, 2024, calling it a “conspiracy to destroy the future of the Assamese people.”

AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, addressing the media on Wednesday, vehemently criticised the move, reminding the nation of the intense mass protests that rocked Assam in 2019.

He stated that the people of Assam had unequivocally rejected the CAA, a law they believe exacerbates the state's four-decade-long struggle with illegal immigration.

"For 43 years, Assam has borne the burden of illegal immigrants. Now, the government is adding another ten years to that timeline. This means the indigenous people will have to suffer for 53 years. This is a direct assault on our culture, our identity, and our very existence," Gogoi asserted.

He accused the Centre of a deliberate conspiracy against the state and urged it to exempt Assam from the law's implementation.

"If the central government truly considers Assam an integral part of India, it must not enforce this amendment here," the AJP leader stated.

Gogoi also launched a sharp critique of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, recalling that the CM had previously assured the public that the CAA deadline would not be extended.

"The Chief Minister frequently changes his statements during election campaigns to mislead people for votes. His assurances mean nothing," Gogoi added, alleging that the people are being forced to carry a decades-long burden due to political betrayal.

However, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sought to downplay the immediate impact of the law. He revealed that since the CAA came into force two years ago, its practical effect in Assam has been minimal.

"The CAA is now a law, but its impact in Assam has been minimal so far. In the two years since it came into effect, only 12 people have applied for citizenship, and just three have been granted it. The remaining nine applications are still under scrutiny," Sarma said.

He highlighted the stark difference between these numbers and the initial projections that suggested 20 to 25 lakh people in the state could potentially benefit from the legislation, implying the law has not triggered the large-scale influx many had feared.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the cut-off date for entry under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) to 31 December 2024, allowing members of persecuted minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, to stay in India even without valid travel documents.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The numbers speak for themselves - only 12 applications in 2 years? Maybe we're overreacting. But still, the principle matters. Why extend if the impact is minimal?
D
David E
Interesting perspective from Assam. In the West, we see CAA as humanitarian for persecuted minorities, but I understand the local concerns about demographic changes.
A
Ananya R
The CM said only 3 people got citizenship so far, but extending the date means more can come. This is worrying for Assam's indigenous communities. Our land, our rights!
S
Siddharth J
Politicians on both sides play games with people's lives. First they create fear, then they give statistics to calm us. When will we have honest governance?
M
Meera T
As a Bengali Hindu whose family came during partition, I understand both sides. But Assam's unique situation needs special consideration. One size doesn't fit all.
R
Rohit P
The 2019 protests showed our strength. If needed, we'll protest again. Assam cannot become a dumping ground for political experiments. Joi Aai Axom! 🇮🇳

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