Keywords
Assam
Indigenous Rights,
National Register of Citizens (NRC)
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
Migration
How to Cite
Abstract
The debate over citizenship in India has been sharply highlighted by the Assam context, particularly through the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Assam’s citizenship question is rooted in its unique historical and socio-political landscape, with key milestones including the Assam Accord of 1985, which set a distinct cut-off date for citizenship (March 25, 1971) and introduced Section 6A of the Citizenship Act in 1986. This exceptional framework for Assam contrasts with the rest of India, creating tensions over inclusion and exclusion.
The NRC update and CAA passage between 2015 and 2019 intensified the debate, particularly concerning undocumented migrants, indigenous rights, and communal divides. While globalisation and neoliberalism have transformed traditional notions of citizenship, emphasizing individualism and market-driven rights, Assam’s context underscores the conflict between universal human rights and region-specific indigenous claims.
The dichotomy of inclusion and exclusion raises fundamental questions about nation-building and sub-nationalism. Legal frameworks like Section 6A attempt to balance these tensions but face criticism for creating graded citizenship. Indigenous communities often perceive universal human rights frameworks as threats to their land and cultural identity, while global migration challenges fixed definitions of citizenship.
This paper explores the evolving concept of citizenship, focusing on Assam’s historical, political, and legal particularities. It examines how regional identity, migration, and neoliberalism intersect, offering insights into broader implications for citizenship policies in India. Ultimately, it underscores the complex balance between inclusive citizenship and regional specificity.
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