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New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today declared that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated in Assam in accordance with the Assam Accord signed on 15 August, 1985.

In a statement, the Home Minister today said that the entire process of updating the NRC is being carried out as per directions of the Supreme Court which is constantly monitoring the process.

Singh has given the assurance that the NRC exercise is being carried out in a totally impartial, transparent and meticulous manner and will continue to be so. At every stage of the process, adequate opportunity of being heard is given to all persons. The entire process is being conducted according to law and due procedure is being followed.

He furthr said that every individual will get justice and will be treated in a humane manner. All individuals will have sufficient opportunity for all remedies available under the law.

The Government, Singh has stated, wants to make it clear that the NRC to be published on 30 July is only a draft. After draft publication, adequate opportunity for claims and objections will be available. All claims and objections will be duly examined. Adequate opportunity of being heard will be given before disposal of claims and objections. Only thereafter, final NRC will be published.

The Citizenship Rules provide that any person who is not satisfied with the outcome of claims and objections can appeal in the Foreigner’s Tribunal. Thus, there is no question of anyone being put in a detention centre after the publication of NRC, Singh has stated in categorical terms.

Further, the Home Minister has informed the public that State Government of Assam has been asked to ensure that law & order is maintained and no one is allowed to take law into their hands and all possible arrangements are made to ensure safety and security for all. There is no reason for panic or fear. No person will be allowed to be harassed. Central Govt. will provide all necessary help to the Govt. of Assam in this regard.