‘Proposed relocation of Chakmas-Hajongs to Assam evidence of CAA’s adverse impact’

GUWAHATI: Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) leader and Dibrugarh Lok Sabha candidate, Lurinjyoti Gogoi, emphasised that union minister Kiren Rijiju’s recent statement is an evidence that the Chakma community is considering Assam for citizenship under the citizenship amendment act (CAA), following Arunachal government’s denial of the same to the community.

Gogoi highlighted the “detrimental impact” of CAA on indigenous rights, attributing it to both Assam and central government orchestration.

He reiterated that the Assam’s populace has steadfastly opposed the CAA and will continue to do so, emphasizing its significance in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Gogoi claimed that while campaigning for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Assam, voters expressed concerns about CAA’s implications for the indigenous population.

Also read: Chakma-Hajong row: Himanta Biswa Sarma conspiring against Assam, says state Congress chief

Furthermore, Gogoi emphasized the “resolute stance” of the people of Assam against CAA, emphasizing its potential to plunge the state's indigenous communities into darkness.

Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah accused chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of orchestrating a dangerous conspiracy against Assam, citing revelations about settling five lakh Hajong-Chakma refugees in the state following an “order from Amit Shah, inadvertently disclosed by union minister Kiren Rijiju”.

Borah criticized Rijiju's assertion that the CAA would benefit Arunachal Pradesh, which purportedly refused refugees from neighbouring countries.

Borah anticipated widespread rejection of this proposal by the people of Assam, indicating their dissent through votes cast on April 26 and May 07.