Centre directs Assam to ‘immediately’ issue rejection slips to those not in NRC

19 months after the updated list was published that left out over 1.9 million people, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Assam government to ‘immediately’ issue rejection slips to those not included in the National Register of Citizens.

Those issued a slip will get 120 days to prove their citizenship at the Foreigners’ Tribunals. If rejected there, they may approach higher courts.

The latest directive comes in the midst of a 3 phase assembly election in the northeastern state.

The Election Commission in January clarified that those excused in the NRC will be able to vote if their names are on the electoral rolls.