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Assam Accord Clause 6

What is the Issue?

The Assam Accord is frequently in the news due to its significance in addressing immigration, cultural identity, and the rights of indigenous people in Assam. Recently, the Indian government has taken steps to form a highlevel committee aimed at implementing Clause 6 of the Accord, which seeks to provide constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards for the Assamese people. This renewed focus comes amidst ongoing discussions about the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which have sparked debates and concerns among various communities in Assam.

Why is it in the News?

The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is moving forward with the implementation of recommendations from a highlevel committee established in 2019. This committee's recommendations include defining who qualifies as an Assamese and proposing various safeguards for the indigenous population. The political landscape surrounding these issues remains contentious, particularly concerning the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which has polarized opinions in different regions of Assam.

What is Clause 6 of the Assam Accord?

Clause 6 of the Assam Accord states that "constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people." This clause aims to ensure that the rights and identities of the Assamese are preserved amid ongoing demographic changes.

Assam Accord History

The Assam Accord was signed on August 15, 1985, following a sixyear agitation initiated by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) in 1979. The agitation aimed to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Concerns over the continuous influx of foreigners had heightened tensions in the state, prompting dialogues between local leaders and the Indian government. The Accord marked the conclusion of a turbulent phase characterized by protests and violence.

Assam Accord Provisions

Key provisions of the Assam Accord include:

Foreigners Issue (Clause 5):

A cutoff date of January 1, 1966, for individuals who can be considered legal residents of Assam.

Individuals who migrated between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, are subject to detection and removal.

Names of individuals who arrived after these dates would be deleted from electoral rolls.

Safeguards for Assamese People (Clause 6):

Establishing measures to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese.

Restoration of Normalcy (Clauses 13 and 14):

These clauses outline measures to restore peace and promote economic development postagitation.

How Has the Implementation Been?

The implementation of the Assam Accord has been slow and incomplete. While some steps have been taken, such as the establishment of cultural centers and financial assistance for historical monuments, many of the promised safeguards under Clause 6 remain unfulfilled. Various committees have been formed over the years, but a comprehensive strategy for implementation has yet to materialize.

What are the Demands?

There are several demands from stakeholders regarding the implementation of Clause 6:

Reservation of Seats: Former Chief Minister Prafulla Mahanta and others advocate for reserved electoral seats for indigenous people.

Land and Resource Rights: There are calls for rights over land and natural resources to be restricted to those who were citizens before 1951.

Job Reservations: Proposals include 100% reservation in lowergrade jobs and significant reservation in highergrade jobs for Assamese individuals.

Cultural Protection: There are demands for broader protections of Assamese culture and identity.

What Will the Proposed Committee Do?

The recently proposed committee, tasked with examining the implementation of Clause 6, will:

Assess the effectiveness of actions taken since the signing of the Assam Accord.

Discuss and evaluate the quantum of reservation of seats in legislative bodies for Assamese people.

Consider measures needed to protect the Assamese language and culture.

Explore job reservation policies and other protective measures.

What are the Challenges?

The path to implementing Clause 6 and the broader Assam Accord faces several challenges:

Political Polarization: The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has created a divide between communities, particularly between the predominantly Assamese Brahmaputra Valley and the Bengalispeaking Barak Valley.

Skepticism from Groups: Organizations like the AASU view recent government actions with skepticism, fearing they may be pretexts to push the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Complex Jurisdiction: Many recommendations require coordination between state and central governments, complicating implementation efforts.

Conclusion

The Assam Accord represents a critical framework for addressing historical grievances related to immigration and identity in Assam. As discussions around Clause 6 continue, it remains essential for the government to balance the interests of different communities and ensure that the provisions of the Accord are implemented effectively to foster peace and social cohesion in the state.