Protesting Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 in Assam: Preserving Culture and Ethnicity

A regional dispute in India, regional tensions regarding the Citizenship Amendment Bill of 2016, especially in the northeastern state of Assam, highlight the ongoing societal and political concerns over the perceived threat to local culture and ethnic identity. This article explores the reasons behind these protests and the implications for Assam and other neighboring states.

Assam’s Protest Against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2016

The state of Assam has a long-standing issue with infiltration and demographic shifts. The widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill of 2016 are rooted in the fear of losing the unique cultural and ethnic identity of the Assamese people.

Motivation and Concern in Assam:

People from Assam believe it is their duty and responsibility to save and preserve the culture. The influx of non-local ethnicities is already perceived as a threat.

The Barak Valley, once predominantly Assamese, is now predominantly Bengali due to the influx of settlers from neighboring regions.

Assam has experienced significant cultural dilution due to years of infiltration. Nine out of 33 districts in the state now have a Muslim majority.

Background of the Infiltration Issue

Assam, being a border state, has long been a target for settlers primarily from Bangladesh. India, with its generous refugee policies, has accommodated many people who have come from neighboring countries seeking refuge and aid.

However, with the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016, a significant policy shift has been instituted. The Bill aims to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before December 31, 2014. This includes Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians, who are granted an exemption from being treated as illegal immigrants.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Exemption from being treated as illegal immigrants

No imprisonment or deportation under the Passport Entry into India Act of 1920 and the Foreigners Act of 1946

Shortened period of residency from 12 to 7 years for gaining citizenship by naturalization

Empowerment to cancel Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration in case of violations

Demographic Changes and Ethnical Loss

The protests in Assam are driven by a genuine fear that large-scale settlement of non-Assamese people will erode the local language, culture, and ethnicity. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has assured Assam that their ethnic identity will be protected, but objections persist.

Miscellaneous Concerns

Demographic shift: Widespread opposition to changes in the population dynamics.

Culture preservation: Indigenious people fear losing their cultural heritage.

Economic impact: The state government is concerned about the burden of accommodating a larger population.

Inner Line Permit (ILP) System in Other NE States

The neighboring states of Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, which also have large indigenous populations, are governed by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. The ILP regulates the entry of people from other states, reflecting similar concerns over demographic changes and cultural preservation.

Conclusion and Future Outlook:

The protests in Assam indicate the broader issue of protecting and preserving local cultures and ethnic identities in the face of demographic changes. As the Bill progresses, it is essential to strike a balance between accommodating refugees and safeguarding the cultural integrity of indigenous communities.