Why did Assam protest against CAA?

Why did Assam protest against CAA?

Members of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on Wednesday went on an 11-hour hunger strike across the State to protest the BJP’s avowed commitment to implement the Citizenship (Amendment) Act after the Assembly elections. The hunger strike coincided with the election rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Is Assam excluded from CAA?

The CAA, in its current form, exempts a large part of Meghalaya, as practically the entire state falls under the ambit of the Sixth Schedule. He also said, “Assam was not exempted (from CAA). We are firm even now and our demand still stands with the Government of India — even Assam must be exempted from this Act.”

Is CAA applicable to Assam?

The BJP’s manifesto in Assam is silent on implementing CAA, which allows citizenship to Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains who came to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Why did Assam join India?

The British, whose interests were threatened by those developments, ultimately drove out the invaders, and, after the Treaty of Yandabo was concluded with Myanmar in 1826, Assam became a part of British India. By 1842 the whole of the Brahmaputra valley of Assam had come under British rule.

Why is the CAA good?

The CAA facilitates the claiming of citizenship by illegal non-Muslim immigrants or other persons who are unable to provide proof of residence. In India, all citizens, including the 175 million Muslims (14 percent of India’s total population), enjoy the same rights.

Does CAA violate Assam Accord?

The AJP alleges that the contentious CAA violates the Assam Accord as it seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis who came to India on or before December 31, 2014, from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after five years of residence here.

How is CAA against Assam Accord?

The Amendment allows for persons declared ‘illegal migrants’ under the Assam Accord to remain in the State of Assam. As the AASU puts it, the CAA defeats the ‘entire object and purpose of Section 6A of the 1955 Act’.

Who invited British to Assam?

In 1832, the Khasi king surrendered and the British increased their influence over the Jaintia ruler. In 1833, upper Assam became a British protectorate under the erstwhile ruler of the Ahom kingdom, Purandhar Singha, but in 1838 the region was formally annexed into the British empire.

Why is CAA a problem?

The CAA excludes Muslims in two ways. It highlights the persecution of non-Muslims in neighbouring Muslim countries and, at the same time, does not include Muslims in the list of preferred migrants. This exclusion is seen as a violation of Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 25 (Freedom of religion).

Can BJP claim ground support for CAA in Assam?

If BJP wins Assam, it can claim ground support for the CAA. The win will cement its position in the Northeast.

Is Assam more important than Bengal for the BJP?

The latest opinion polls have given an edge to the BJP in Assam, and to the TMC in Bengal. However, given that incumbent BJP governments do not have a great record of getting re-elected, Assam assumes an even more important position than Bengal.

Is BJP facing a stiff battle in Assam away from media glare?

While there is a lot of media attention and buzz around Bengal, where the BJP is up against a feisty Mamata Banerjee, the party is also facing a stiff battle in Assam, away from the media glare. The latest opinion polls have given an edge to the BJP in Assam, and to the TMC in Bengal.

What is the Assam Jatiya Parishad and raijor Dal?

Assam was the first state to erupt in protest against the CAA. These led to the formation of new parties, namely, the Assam Jatiya Parishad and the Raijor Dal who have formed a Third Front to contest the upcoming polls. Alliances have undergone a change in Assam this time around.