Union Minister’s 7-day CAA countdown triggers mass protests in Assam

In an unexpected and sensational declaration, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur announced that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented across India within the next seven days. This bold statement, made during a public rally in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas, not only promises swift action but also stirs a political storm.

The reaction to this news was immediate and intense in Assam. The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) organized a sit-in protest in Guwahati, demanding the immediate scrapping of the legislation. The group, representing the youth of Assam, warned of escalating their agitation if CAA is implemented in their state. This protest reflects the deep-seated fears in Assam regarding the potential impact of CAA on the Assamese language and identity.

AJYCP leaders didn’t mince words in their criticism, labelling the CAA as “an anti-Assam act.” They assert that the implementation of the CAA would spell the death of the Assamese language and identity. To protect the existence of the indigenous people, they demand the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Assam instead of the CAA.

The Citizenship Amendment Act has been a point of contention since its inception. Passed by Parliament in December 2019 and receiving Presidential assent, the CAA sparked massive protests in various parts of the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration last year that the CAA implementation is unstoppable further fueled the debate. The CAA has been criticized for its potential to alter the demographic and cultural landscape of regions like Assam.

The decision to implement the CAA across the country is a move that could significantly alter India’s socio-political fabric. The strong reactions in Assam and other regions reflect deep concerns about cultural and linguistic preservation. The CAA’s implementation, while legally valid, raises essential questions about balancing national policies with regional identities and rights. The coming days are crucial in determining how this situation unfolds and the long-term impact on India’s diverse communities.