Assam opp parties hail SC verdict, want CAA repealed

Opposition parties in Assam, including Congress and Assam Jatiya Parishad on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict up holding the validity of section 6A of the citizenship act.

- Digjyoti Lahkar

Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia described it as a “historic” moment, stating it resolves the long-standing debate over the cut-off date for the detection and deportation of illegal foreigners in Assam. Saikia emphasised that the ruling reaffirms the March 24, 1971, cut-off date established by the Assam accord. Saikia appreciated the Congress government’s role in addressing the issue of illegal immigration in Assam, especially under the leadership of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah emphasised the significance of the SC’s reaffirmation of the Assam accord in addressing illegal immigration. He said the ruling serves as a reminder of Assam’s responsibility to uphold the terms of the accord, which mandates that all individuals who entered the state illegally after March 24, 1971, must be identified and deported.