Assam has received only eight applications for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with six applicants still pending interviews, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed on Monday. The CM expressed surprise at the low number of applications, which stands in stark contrast to expectations that the Act would significantly increase the state's population.

During a press conference in Guwahati, CM Sarma disclosed that he personally contacted several Hindu Bengalis to understand their reasons for not applying for citizenship under the CAA. Their responses indicated a lack of conviction that applying under the CAA was appropriate for them. Many families mentioned that they had entered India before 1971 and preferred to prove their citizenship through the court of law rather than through the CAA.

CM Sarma emphasized that individuals with pending citizenship cases in court should consider applying under the CAA. However, sources suggest that many are unlikely to follow this advice. The reluctance to apply stems from a belief among these communities that their long-term residency in India should naturally entitle them to citizenship without the need for CAA intervention.

The CAA allows non-Muslims from six communities—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—who entered India from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh before December 31, 2014, to apply for citizenship. This legislative measure was designed to offer a fast-tracked path to citizenship for these communities, presumed to be fleeing religious persecution.

The State Home Department has instructed the police not to refer cases of these communities to the foreigner’s tribunal if they entered India before the cut-off date. The communication explicitly states that "these communities have the right to claim their citizenship under CAA." This directive aims to protect eligible individuals from undue legal challenges and streamline their path to citizenship.

CM Sarma clarified that the state is not dropping cases against Bengali Hindu immigrants in various foreigner’s tribunals. "We cannot drop any case. Once a case goes to the tribunal, I can’t give any directive. But the tribunal’s judges are aware of CAA. So, they have to act according to the law. But I can tell a public prosecutor to flag the amended provision at the tribunal hearing," he explained. This approach aims to ensure that tribunal proceedings acknowledge the amended citizenship provisions under CAA, potentially benefiting those eligible under the Act.

The minimal response to the CAA in Assam has puzzled many, as initial assumptions suggested a much higher impact on the population. Analysts and policymakers are closely monitoring the situation to understand the underlying reasons for the tepid response and to address any concerns or misconceptions about the Act.

As the state navigates the complexities of implementing the CAA, the focus remains on ensuring that the legislative intent of providing a safe haven for persecuted minorities is realized, while also respecting the legal frameworks and historical contexts of long-term residents. CM Sarma's ongoing engagement with affected communities highlights the government's commitment to transparent and inclusive governance in addressing citizenship issues.