Guwahati (Assam) [India], August 22 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has cautioned about a potential security threat in the strategic Siliguri Corridor (Chicken's Neck region), citing attempts by "elements" in Bangladesh provoking people in and around the region by invoking their Bangladeshi roots.
Addressing reporters in Guwahati on Thursday, the Chief Minister said, "Last time when I visited Dhubri, we saw a wall writing asking people of Dhubri district to show allegiance to Bangladesh. That area falls in the Chicken's Neck. Now, both sides of the Chicken's Neck have people who are originally from Bangladesh. Our Chicken's Neck is very vulnerable because, in the entire 22 km space, all the people settled there have come originally from Bangladesh. Maybe prior to 1971 or 1951. These people have become Indian citizens. But Bangladesh is trying to remind them that they are not originally Indians, to provoke a pro-Bangladeshi sentiment among the people who are living in there."
"This will be a very serious security threat in the days to come. The elements in Bangladesh are trying to provoke the residents near the Chicken's Neck that do not be Indians, you're originally from Bangladesh, act according to our wish. That is their game plan. This game plan is talked about in many articles and many intellectuals have written about it," Chief Minister Sarma added.
As per the Assam Accord and subsequent provisions under the Citizenship Act, individuals who entered Assam from Bangladesh before March 24, 1971, and have been residing in the state, are deemed Indian citizens. Those who migrated after the cut-off date are considered illegal immigrants under Indian law.
Meanwhile, the Assam Cabinet has announced that no new Aadhaar cards will be issued to individuals above the age of 18, except those belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC), the Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the tea garden communities, for the next one year, a move aimed at curbing issuance to illegal foreigners.
Chief Minister Sarma said that the restriction has been enforced to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Aadhaar cards and falsely claiming Indian citizenship.
"Assam Cabinet has today decided that Aadhaar card will not be issued for persons above 18 years of age, except ST, SC and Tea garden workers, for another one year. If any person from another caste who is yet to get an Aadhaar card, they can apply for it within the month of September. We will allow them to apply within the month of September," Sarma said.