In Assam, Modi bats for Citizenship Bill, says some people spreading misinformation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Opposition for ‘creating confusion over the Citizenship Bill’ on Saturday. Addressing a rally in Amingaon in north Guwahati, PM Modi said that, “We must understand the difference between those who infiltrate India to capture the resources of the country and those fleeing their countries following persecution on the ground of religious belief…It is the obligation of India to protect such people,” PM Modi said. He said that those who destroyed the country for years are spreading huge misinformation about the Citizenship Bill. He also spoke about National registry of Citizens in Assam.

“We've always strengthened voice of people to throw out infiltrators from Assam and the country. That is why we did Chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border. We implemented NRC under supervision of the Supreme Court that earlier government were hesitating to do.” Clarifying over many issues, PM Modi said that the Citizenship Bill will not harm Assam and the North East. He also said that citizenship will be granted only after due probe and state government’s recommendations.

In his big North East push, PM Modi said that soon Assam will become oil and gas hub of the country. He said that in last four years, projects worth Rs 14,000 crore have been completed in the state. He also spoke about the Assam Accord. “BJP committed to implement Assam Accord and setting up of committee for implementation of its Clause 6 is step in that direction,” the Prime minister said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated several projects and laid the foundation of many vital schemes in Arunachal Pradesh his visit to the north-eastern state. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of a green field Airport at Hollongi near Itanagar. The ambitious airport project in the state has been pending for several years due to controversies over site selection. Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in the country without a full-fledged airport. Initially, Karsingsa was selected as the site for the airport but owing to technicalities, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had asked the state government to find some other site.