The National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam, a landmark exercise aimed at identifying genuine Indian citizens, has entered a new phase. The Assam government has announced a major crackdown targeting individuals who possess Aadhaar cards but did not apply for inclusion in the NRC list.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that within the next few days, authorities will launch a focused drive to detect and act against such individuals. This initiative comes amidst growing concerns over illegal immigration, especially in districts close to the Bangladesh border.

What’s Happening?

The Assam government had previously stopped issuing Aadhaar cards to individuals who had not applied for the NRC. However, many had already secured Aadhaar cards before this restriction was enforced. Now, a major verification and enforcement operation is being prepared to address this discrepancy.

Particular attention is being given to four districts, Barpeta, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Nagaon, where the number of Aadhaar cards issued exceeds the projected population. For example, Barpeta has recorded a 103.74% issuance rate and Dhubri 103.48%. Dhubri, being a border district, has been a longstanding point of concern regarding cross-border migration.

Why Is This Important?

The NRC update, published in 2019, excluded more than 19 lakh people from citizenship status out of over 3.3 crore applicants. The process sparked a massive legal, humanitarian, and political debate. Many who were excluded continue to battle in courts and tribunals to prove their citizenship.

Now, linking Aadhaar cards with NRC records introduces a new layer of scrutiny. Those found possessing Aadhaar cards without NRC registration may face cancellation of their Aadhaar numbers, legal action, and possible deportation if proven to be illegal immigrants.

Concerns and Challenges

Human rights groups and legal experts have raised concerns about the move, warning that it could lead to hardships for genuine residents who, for various reasons, missed the NRC application deadline but still legally possess Aadhaar cards.

Critics also caution that the drive must be implemented with fairness, transparency, and an appeals process to prevent injustice to vulnerable groups, including indigenous communities, women, and the economically marginalized.

The Way Forward

The Assam government insists that the crackdown is necessary to preserve demographic balance and ensure that resources are reserved for rightful citizens. Authorities are preparing district-wise action plans to ensure a systematic approach.

Meanwhile, individuals who wish to verify their NRC status can still access the official NRC Assam portal: nrcassam.nic.in.

As Assam moves ahead with this new phase of the NRC enforcement, the state and indeed the nation watch closely, balancing the demands of national security with the imperatives of human rights and justice.