Assam Assembly Speaker Pranab Kumar Gogoi here on Tuesday asked the legislators of All-India United Democratic Front as to what action they intend to take against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who during the election campaigns said that lakhs of “illegal immigrants” are there in Assam.
The remark of the Speaker came after the main Opposition political party in the Assam Assembly, the AIUDF, mounted pressure on him to expunge “illegal immigrant” word from the proceedings of the House.
BPF MLA Pramila Rani Brahma while objecting to frequent transfer of circle officers in BTAD was arguing that the area was very sensitive and “many incidents have taken place due to encroachment by illegal immigrants”.
Reacting angrily to contention of Ms Brahma, AIUDF legislator Sherman Ali Ahmed referred a statement of BTC chief Hagrama Mohiliary who said that there is no illegal immigrant in BTAD. He dared Ms Brahma, “If you have any knowledge on presence of illegal immigrants, present the proof.”
All the AIUDF MLAs supported him and rose to their feet while asking the Speaker to expunge the word “illegal immigrant” to which AIUDF legislators claimed derogatory.
The Speaker, however, rejected the demand saying, “There is no problem in using that word.” The AGP, BJP and BPF also backed Ms Brahma saying that there are illegal immigrants in Assam.
Some ruling Congress MLAs also supported them.
Mr Ahmed continued his argument with the speaker, stating that in the name of “illegal immigrants” one particular community is targeted and harassed. He went on saying that many people are forcibly driven out which is in violation of human rights.
Justifying his ruling, the speaker referred the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and quoted his speeches. He also pointed out, “If there is no illegal immigrants then why foreigners tribunals have been set up.”
Assam environment and forest minister Rockybul Hussain in his submission said, “Members are trying to politicise the issue out of nothing. Our government will not allow harassment of any Indian citizen who came before March 25, 1971. All those who came after that will have to go.”
The speaker in his ruling also added, “It is a fact that there are illegal immigrants. They should be sent back through judicial process.”