Why in the news?

  • The Assam government and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) have reached a consensus on “most recommendations” of a panel to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord of 1985.

Assam Accord (1985)

  • What is it?
    • The Assam Accord was signed on 15th August 1985 between the Government of India, All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP) to end the six-year-long Assam agitation (1979-1985). 
    • The agitation primarily concerned illegal immigration from Bangladesh and the protection of Assamese identity.
  • Key Provisions
    • Cut-off Dates for Citizenship:
      • Persons who entered Assam before 1 January 1966 were to be granted full citizenship rights.
      • Those who came between 1 January 1966 and 24 March 1971 would be allowed to stay after registering as foreigners for 10 years.
      • Immigrants who entered after 24 March 1971 were to be detected, deleted from electoral rolls, and deported.
    • Clause 5 is the heart of the Accord, detailing detection, deletion, and deportation of foreigners in accordance with law.
    • Clause 6 promises constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect, preserve, and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity, and heritage of the Assamese people.
    • Clause 7 outlines a commitment from the government towards rapid economic development of Assam, focusing on education, industry, and infrastructure.
    • The Accord also mandated the sealing and fencing of the India-Bangladesh border to prevent further illegal immigration.
    • It addressed issues like prevention of land encroachments by unauthorized persons and restricting acquisition of immovable property by foreigners.
  • Significance
    • It brought an end to violent protests and created a legal framework to address the illegal immigration issue in Assam while protecting Assamese cultural and social identity.
    • It shifted the power to issue citizenship certificates exclusively to the central government and laid down mechanisms for the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants.
  • Challenges
    • Implementation of the Accord has faced delays, especially in finalizing the National Register of Citizens (NRC), controversies over changes in the Citizenship Act, and demands for full implementation of Clause 6 safeguards.

Source: The Hindu