As expected, the draft list of citizens released by Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) has left out all “doubtful” residents of the state, all allegedly illegal migrants from Bangladesh. The number of citizens thus left out in the draft list is 40 lakh.

The NRC has been updated after 1951, and allegations are that Bengalis, especially Bengali Muslims have been targeted in this. Those from Bihar have also made similar complaints.

This is only a draft, however, and will not draw any punitive action, authorities have said. A vetting of this will take place, but the situation in Assam is tense, with Central forces on high alert. Reports have quoted Home Minister Rajnath Singh as saying: “Some people are unnecessarily trying to create an atmosphere of fear… This is a draft and not the final list.”

Reports quoting Satyendra Garg, home ministry officer in charge of the northeast: “Based on this draft no reference case will be sent to the foreigner tribunal or put in a detention centre.

—India Legal Bureau