Kendrapara: In the wake of implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, the Bengali-speaking people residing in coastal Kendrapara are apprehensive of their futures. It is being speculated that the process of identification of illegal immigrants will begin soon here also.
They are afraid, as the Assistant Commandant (Legal), Ministry of Home Affairs, Shakti Prakash, in a letter to the Registrar General of India (RGI) has called for necessary action in this connection recently.
Gopal Mitra, 40, a resident of Kalatunga Paschimapada under Gogua panchayat of Mahakalapada block, is a worried man as he and his family members have been identified as Bangladeshi immigrants as the State Home Department has slapped ‘Quit India’ notice’ on his family in 2005. Consequently, fear of deportation looms large for him and his family. They are afraid that if NRC is implemented in Kendrapara, they will have to move.
According to Mitra, his grandfather Bhima Mitra had come from West Bengal and settled in Kendrapara in 1952. But ‘Quit India’ notices were served on him, his late father Keshab Mitra and his physically handicapped mother Kamala. Incidentally Gopal’s father, grandfather and his three brothers and their family members were registered as voters in 1975. Ironically, the entire family has been served ‘Quit India’ notice, but those who came to this district 1952 have escaped unnoticed.
“Due to faulty enumeration, I and my parents were branded as Bangladeshi immigrants,’’ alleged Gopal Mitra.
While Gopal’s father died some years back, he, his wife along with their children and disabled mother have been residing in Kalatunga Paschimapada, said Gobinda Mandal, a neighbour.
“I have a voter ID card, Aadhaar card and bank account. My ration card was issued by the district administration. My mother has been drawing widow pension from Mahakalapada block. I was born and brought up in Odisha. I have every testimonial to prove my Indian citizenship. If I and my mother were Bangladeshis, why did the district administration enroll our names in Aadhaar and ration cards,’’ Gopal Mitra pointed out.
“If my mother and myself are deported due to faulty enumeration by local officials, what would be the future of my wife and children? I will not leave Mahakalapada. If the administration forcibly deports me, then all my family members would commit suicide in our house….’’, threatened Gopal.
Notably, Mohit Agrawala, Amicus Curiae appointed by the High Court of Orissa, had submitted a report to the court November 26, 2018 urging it to direct the Centre and State Government to update the NRC in Kendrapara district. Acting on the report, the High Court had directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Environment and Forest department, to form a panel to initiate the process at the earliest.
On the basis of the High Court directive, the Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the State Government to initiate the NRC process after apprising the RGI of the court order. The ministry has also asked the RGI to take necessary measures in this regard.
PNN