The final draft of the National Register of Citizens as excluded more than 40 lakh people in Assam (Reuters file photo)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today critcised the the final draft of Assam's National Register of Citizens for excluding 40 lakh people. The final draft was published today.

"We cannot push them back. We believe in humanity," Mamata said at a press conference in Kolkata soon after Assam NRC's final draft was released by central and state government officials.

When asked if West Bengal would consider sheltering those whose names do not figure in the Assam NRC, Mamata said, "If the problem comes to us, we cannot behave like central government politically. We are human beings, it is our duty to give them protection. We cannot push them back. Why should we push back our citizens. They are very much Indian citizens. They have become refugees because of the Indian government."

The final draft has recognised 2,89,83,677 people as citizens of India, leaving out more than 40 lakh applicants. State and central government officials have repeatedly said that those left out of the final draft will have the opportunity to appeal and present objections.

Mamata Banerjee, however, attacked the final draft of the Assam NRC for excluding "people from north Bengal". "These people [the 40 lakh people excluded from the final draft] have been living in Assam for a long time... Just because of electoral politics unnecessary provocation is being created," Mamata said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that no coercive action will be taken against those who do not figure in the final NRC.

READ| Here's what will happen to the 40 lakh people left out of Assam NRC final draft

"This is clearly an attempt to push back Bengalis... where will these people go... what if Bangladesh doesn't take them?" Mamata questioned at her press conference.

"In one strike so many have been turned, refugees... I appeal to the home minister not to isolate them... Don't play with fire when it's about humanity, Its a plan to throw out Bengali speaking people and Biharis. Consequences will be felt in our state also" Mamata went on to say.

READ| Assam National Register of Citizens explained

The final draft of the Assam NRC was released today amid tight security in the state. The register can be accessed at www.nrcassam.nic.in.

Those whose names are missing from the final draft will be able to file objections between August 30 and September 28, 2018.

Once the final NRC is published, those whose names aren't on the list will not be deemed as Indian citizens. They will then have to approach the foreigners tribunals to fight for their citizenship.

The NRC is being compiled under the orders of the Supreme Court in order to identify illegal foreigners living in Assam.

(With inputs from Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu)



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