United Opposition Forum of Assam Urgently Seeks Meeting with Prime Minister Modi Over Citizenship Amendment Act
Desk Report, February 05, 2024: In a concerted effort, the United Opposition Forum of Assam (UOFA), comprising 16 political parties, has urgently sought an audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliberate on the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The Opposition, led by Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah and Assam Jatiya Parishad Chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi, penned a letter to the PM underlining the widespread resistance to the CAA since its introduction in Parliament.
“As responsible opposition political parties, we are duty-bound to amplify the concerns of the people. A prevailing sentiment exists among the people of Assam, transcending caste, creed, and political affiliation, that the CAA jeopardizes the culture, history, socio-economic condition, social fabric, and identity of the Assamese people,” asserted the letter.
Expressing deep-seated apprehensions, the UOFA cautioned that the implementation of the CAA could render null and void the historic Assam Accord of 1985. The accord, aimed at identifying and deporting illegal immigrants who entered Assam after March 25, 1971, is considered a cornerstone in addressing the complex issue of migration in the region.
The letter from the UOFA conveyed a sense of urgency, stating, “We, a delegation from the UFOA, deem it imperative to apprise you of the volatile situation likely to arise in Assam in the coming days if the CAA’s implementation proceeds. We seek your intervention to address this highly sensitive issue and urgently request an appointment with you at the earliest, according to your convenience.”
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In a simultaneous move, the UOFA submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, affirming their commitment to a “democratic mass movement” across the state should the CAA not be repealed. The Opposition’s stand has resonated with other organizations, which have announced plans to initiate protests demanding the repeal of the Act.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the UOFA proposed a meeting with the Prime Minister during his scheduled visit to Assam on March 08-09. The growing anti-CAA sentiment has prompted various organizations, including the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and 30 other groups, to declare plans for protests and demonstrations. These include bandhs and ‘gherao’ of the state secretariat upon the enforcement of the CAA.
In response to the mounting opposition, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has suggested seeking legal redressal, encouraging those opposed to the CAA to approach the Supreme Court for a thorough review.
