The citizenship Bill does not require any changes if Clause 6 of the Assam Accord is implemented properly, says Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
In an interview, he said the Bill will be brought after arriving at a consensus with all the stakeholders.
Asked if the Assam government will request the Centre to make necessary changes in the existing Bill to allay apprehensions of the people here, Mr. Sonowal said that it was not needed if the Clause 6 of the Assam Accord is implemented properly. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which was signed in 1985 after the Assam Agitation of 1979-85, envisages that appropriate constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards should be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the people of Assam.
“If Clause 6 is implemented in letter and spirit, then the indigenous people of Assam are well guarded and protected. That was the agenda ought to be taken up on priority by earlier governments,” he said.
“Now the PM has taken up the matter with sincerity, commitment and dedication. So, I believe once it is implemented, we have nothing to worry,” he said.
