GUWAHATI: Union ministry of home affairs has asked the Assam government and its neighbouring states to ensure law and order situation is maintained in the run-up to and after the release of the final draft of the national register of citizens (NRC) on July 30.

In a statement, the ministry has also advised the Assam government not to initiate any action by the administration or the police in case someone’s name does not appear in the draft NRC.

“There is no question of referring persons whose names do not figure in the draft NRC to the Foreigners’ Tribunal as people are entitled to file claims and objections. Due opportunity should be given to them before final publication. The question of referring any person to a detention centre based on NRC exercise also does not arise. State Government has been asked to issue clear instructions in this regard to all administrative and police functionaries,” the statement said.

Further, the minister has asked the Assam government to set up a state-level coordination committee headed by the chief secretary to ensure coordination among state agencies, NRC authorities, and central agencies.

Round-the-clock Control Rooms at the State capital and district headquarters are to be activated to receive complaints and coordinate a prompt response, it said.

Moreover, the Registrar General of India (RGI) has been asked to use all means of communication including websites, toll-free numbers, SMS to provide information to the public about the draft NRC.

Earlier Union home minister Rajnath Singh had said that every individual will get justice and will be treated in a humane manner. All individuals will have sufficient opportunity for the remedies available under the law.

