National Register of Citizens Assam, India: The Tangled Logic of Documentary Evidence

Abstract

This article reveals the incoherent nature of state machinery as well as the overpoweringly humiliating effects of using identity documents as a tool of state power and identification, putting any citizen’s legal position in jeopardy. Study of the National Register of Citizens in Assam indicates that any exercise in abstract documentation and its implementation through technology dependent network creates “liminal statelessness” for many people whose citizenship status remained undocumented.

Keywords:

• Assam
• citizenship
• national register of citizens (NRC)
• immigration
• documents
• liminal statelessness

Notes

1 Indira Mujib agreement was a treaty of peace, friendship, and cooperation between India and Bangladesh with no mention of any cut-off date, but, as discussed by Willem Van Schendel this agreement ‘tacitly’ provided that Bangladesh would not be held responsible for migration before the birth of Bangladesh. For details, see Schendel (2005).

2 Sarbananda Sonowal vs Union of India.

3 Barpeta has a migrant population mainly Muslims from East Pakistan. AAMSU advisor Mr Rahman stated that it was started without consulting the stakeholders though after suspension Chief Minister announced that it would be restarted after discussions with AASU and AAMSU. (Based on discussions with Mr. Rehman, Dispur, 6 May 2019.)

4 A customized software was designed by Wipro to determine citizenship and documents like 1951 NRC, electoral rolls of pre 1971 period were digitized for reference.

5 Based on discussions with Advocate S.B. Rehman at new High Court Building, Guwahati 7 May 2019.

6 Based on discussions with members, All Assam Bengali Yuba Chhatra Federation 1 May and 7 May 2019.

7 Based on interviews at Tinkoniapara Village, Goalpara 3 May 2019.

8 Based on group discussions at Circuit House, Goalpara 3 May 2019.

9 Based on group discussion at Bongaigaon, 4 May 2019.

10 Based on interview with family of army officials, Horuharid village, Barpeta Road, 4th May, 2019.

11 Discussion with Bonda colony residents at HRLN office, 5^th May 2019.

12 Based on group discussion at Bhatipara 3 May 2019.

13 Based on interviews , May 2019.

14 Based on interviews, May 2019.

15 Based on interview May 2019.

16 Based on discussions with advocates during this study May 2019.

17 Based on interview 5 May 2019.

18 Based on discussion with Tora Agarwala, 5 May 2019.

19 Based on discussion with AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya, Shaheed Bhavan, Guwahati, 7 May.