Syllabus: Security challenges and their management in border areas
Context: Assam government and AASU reached consensus on most recommendations of Clause 6 implementation panel for Assam Accord 1985, with new review committee to be formed for timely implementation.
More in News:
- Clause 6 of Assam Accord 1985 promises constitutional, legislative, administrative safeguards to protect cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of Assamese people comprehensively.
- Assam Accord of 1985 ended violent six-year anti-foreigner Assam Agitation, establishing peace deal with provisions protecting indigenous Assamese population’s rights and cultural identity preservation.
Background of the Assam Accord
- Colonial Roots of Migration
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- Migration into Assam began during British rule, when labourers from East Bengal and other regions were encouraged to settle.
- Migrants were recruited for tea plantations, agriculture and allied sectors.
- Post-Partition Migration
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- After 1947 Partition, inflow from East Pakistan increased steadily.
- The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War triggered another major refugee influx into Assam.
- Rising Political Discontent
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- Assamese groups feared demographic imbalance and dilution of their cultural identity.
- Discrepancies in the 1978 Mangaldoi by-election voter list intensified concerns about illegal voters.
Launch of the Assam Movement (1979–1985)
- Agitation led by AASU and AAGSP, seeking detection and expulsion of illegal migrants.
- Included widespread protests, boycotts, disobedience, and disruptions of elections.
- Violence escalated during the agitation; the 1983 Nellie massacre killed over 2,000 people.
- The unrest deepened ethnic divisions and disrupted governance.
- After prolonged negotiations, the Accord was signed on 15 August 1985 by the Government of India and student leaders.
Major Provisions of the Assam Accord
- Identifying and Handling Illegal Immigrants
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- Migrants entering after 25 March 1971 to be detected and deported.
- Those arriving between 1 January 1966–24 March 1971 to be identified and removed from voter rolls for 10 years, but allowed residence.
- Migrants entering before 1 January 1966 granted full citizenship.
- Protection of Assamese Identity
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- Constitutional and administrative measures to safeguard Assamese cultural, linguistic, and social heritage.
- Promotion of Assamese language, literature, and arts.
- Economic Development Commitments
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- Assured development of infrastructure and industries to address socio-economic grievances.
- Plans for new oil refineries, paper mills, and industrial units.
- Preventing Future Illegal Migration
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- Strengthening of the Indo-Bangladesh border with fencing, surveillance, BSF deployment, and river patrols.
- NRC Update
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- Updating the NRC with 1971 as the cut-off to distinguish citizens from illegal migrants.
- Restoring Peace and Normalcy
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- Withdrawal of cases against most agitators, excluding heinous offences.
- Rehabilitation of violence-affected and displaced persons.
- Equal Treatment of Citizens
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- Assurance of non-discrimination for all Indian citizens irrespective of origin.
Conclusion
- The Accord addressed deep demographic, political, and cultural concerns in Assam.
- However, challenges in implementation, identification, and deportation of migrants continue to make it a contentious issue in contemporary politics.