MOVEMENT AGAINST CITIZENSHIP (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019 AND ISSUE OF ASSAMESE IDENTITY

Abstract

Migration is a constant phenomena in Assam. The Massive numbers of illegal immigrants have triggered deep anxieties including fears of demographic change, losses of livelihood opportunities and threaten of the indigenous cultures. During the Bangladesh war, millionsof people came into Assam. Before enactment of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, an illegal migrant is not eligible to apply for acquiring citizenship. The foreigners act and the passport act debar such a person and provide for putting illegal migrants into jail or deportation. But Citizenship (Amendment) act, 2019 grants Indian citizenship if illegal migrants belongs to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian community from three neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. People from these communities who had come to India till December 31, 2014 due to religious persecution in these countries will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship