The Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday that the BJP-led government in state is committed to “free” the state from the situation of all illegal immigrants.
“Our government came to power on two promises — corruption-free Assam and illegal foreigner-free Assam. We are committed to fulfilling the promises,” Sonowal told the media.
At a function to mark his government’s second anniversary, he said, “the target for completion of sealing of Indo-Bangladesh border is December this year.”
He said that the boundaries along the river areas will be sealed with non-physical barriers, and smart fences will be installed on the land to prevent from passing illegal immigrants.
He further said that apart from preventing the inflow of illegal immigrants in the state, his government has been cracking down the corruption.
Sonowal’s comment comes at the time when Assam and other North Eastern states are facing widespread protests on the proposed amendment in Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, which is the allegation that the sentiments and identities of the indigenous communities of the North-East will be undermined.
Various organizations in Assam are opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 on grounds that it will legitimize lakhs of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
When asked about the state government’s stand on the citizenship bill, Sonowal said, “We will not do anything against the interest of Assam.”
