Opposition parties in Assam seek meeting with PM Modi over CAA

Opposition parties in Assam seek PM Modi's appointment to discuss volatile situation over Citizenship Amendment Act implementation.

Opposition parties in Assam have sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the State later this week to apprise him of the "volatile situation likely to arise" if the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA is implemented.

A letter seeking an appointment with PM Modi was dispatched by state Congress chief Bhupen Borah, who is also the president of the United Opposition Forum of Assam (UOFA) which represents 16 opposition parties.

"There is a strong perception among the people of Assam irrespective of caste, creed and political affiliation that the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 will put in danger the culture, history, socio-economic condition, social fabric and identity of Assamese people," said the letter, a copy of which was shared with the press on Tuesday.

"Moreover, the said Act will go to nullify the historic Assam Accord of 1985, which is regarded as the lifeline of Assamese people," it added.

The UOFA deems it urgent to apprise the PM about the "volatile situation likely to arise in Assam in the coming days", the letter said.

The opposition parties have sought an appointment with Modi at the earliest, proposing to meet him during his scheduled visit to the state on March 8-9.

The letter mentioned the protests against the CAA in 2019-20, before the outbreak of COVID-19, in the state, during which five persons were killed and several others injured.