The Assam Accord is a Memorandum of Settlement signed in 1985 between the Government of India, the State Government of Assam, and the leaders of the Assam Movement, which was led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP). The Assam Movement (1979–1985) was a massive, student-led anti-immigrant movement that protested against the influx of illegal immigrants into Assam, primarily from Bangladesh, which the protesters felt was altering the demographic and cultural identity of the Assamese people.
Key Points of the Assam Accord:
- Identification and Deportation of Illegal Immigrants:
- The accord set March 24, 1971, as the cutoff date for identifying illegal immigrants. This means that anyone who entered Assam from Bangladesh after this date would be considered an illegal immigrant and would face deportation.
- Those who entered Assam between 1966 and 1971 were to be identified and allowed to stay but would lose voting rights for ten years.
- Protection of Assamese Cultural Identity:
- The accord emphasized protecting and preserving the cultural, social, and linguistic heritage of the Assamese people.
- Measures were to be taken to protect Assam’s indigenous population by ensuring their land rights and providing constitutional safeguards for the Assamese culture and language.
- Economic and Infrastructure Development:
- The Government of India promised financial resources for Assam’s development, including setting up new infrastructure, employment opportunities, and educational institutions to help uplift the state.
- Border Security:
- The accord mandated measures to prevent further illegal migration, including tightening the border between India and Bangladesh with a stronger border security force and proper fencing.
- Citizenship and the National Register of Citizens (NRC):
- The NRC was to be updated in Assam based on the cutoff date specified in the accord (March 24, 1971), to identify legal citizens and distinguish them from illegal immigrants.
- Political Commitments and Representation:
- The accord assured that Assam would receive adequate representation in local governance, ensuring that local leaders played a central role in the administration of the state.
Implementation Challenges and Recent Developments:
- The implementation of the Assam Accord has been complex, as identifying illegal immigrants has involved multiple logistical, legal, and socio-political challenges.
- The NRC update in 2019 aimed to verify residents of Assam based on the Assam Accord’s guidelines, leading to widespread debates and concerns about citizenship and statelessness.
The Assam Accord is significant as it represents a negotiated effort to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and protect Assamese identity and resources. It remains a central issue in Assam’s political landscape and has influenced national discussions on immigration, citizenship, and border security in India.
