Amidst renewed protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made a bold statement, asserting that there is no relevance of any protest against the law at this point.
In a press conference, Sarma emphasized that those opposed to the CAA should approach the Supreme Court for its revocation, highlighting the judiciary's power to alter an Act. Sarma's remarks come at a time when opposition parties in Assam, including the United Opposition Forum Assam (UOFA) and the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), have intensified their agitation against the contentious law.
The UOFA has threatened to undertake a "democratic mass movement" across the state if the CAA is not repealed, while the AASU and 30 other organizations have announced a series of agitational programs from March 4.
The CAA, passed in 2019, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, after five years of residence. However, the law has faced significant opposition in Assam, with massive protests erupting across the state since December 2019.
Despite widespread protests, Sarma maintains that the CAA is a reality and is enshrined in the law books of India. He emphasizes that the resolution of both sides' concerns should take place in the Supreme Court, rather than on the streets of Assam. Sarma acknowledges the right of individuals to like or dislike the CAA but urges for a legal recourse through the judiciary.
The Chief Minister also questions the motives behind the protests, expressing concern about dragging Assam backward and disrupting peace in the state. He emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic principles and respecting the decisions taken by Parliament.
Sarma refrains from commenting on whether the protests will affect the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls but urges all stakeholders to seek legal remedies through the judicial process.
In conclusion, Sarma's stance reflects the ongoing debate surrounding the CAA and underscores the need for a legal resolution to the contentious issue. As Assam braces for further protests and agitations, the Chief Minister's call for approaching the Supreme Court signals a shift towards a legal recourse to address concerns related to the citizenship law.
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