• Source:JND
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday asked the Jharkhand government to initiate the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, citing concerns over illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Speaking at the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, Himanta Sarma stated that the Centre submitted an affidavit to the Jharkhand High Court, detailing the infiltration issue and its impact on the tribal population.

The Centre's affidavit highlighted a decline in the tribal population in Jharkhand, particularly in the Santhal Pargana region, attributing the decrease to illegal immigration and other factors such as conversion and low birth rates among tribals. Himanta Sarma stressed that the Jharkhand government should act swiftly to protect tribal identity, claiming, "The tribal identity and existence are under threat due to the infiltration."

Himanta Sarma responded to questions about whether the BJP would implement the NRC if it came to power in Jharkhand, saying, "It will come into effect if we form the government, but why wait when everything is clear after the Centre's affidavit?"

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The Centre, in its affidavit to the Jharkhand High Court, said that Bangladeshi immigrants have entered Jharkhand through Sahebgunj and Pakur districts. The affidavit also mentioned the transfer of tribal land to Muslims by virtue of 'daanpatra (gift deed)'. There is also a "sizeable decrease" in the tribal population due to "high conversion of tribals and low birth rate" among them, it said.

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On another issue, Himanta Sarma addressed the recent death of an excise constable aspirant in Jharkhand, expressing concern over the state's selection process and urging the Jharkhand chief minister to take immediate action.

(With PTI Inputs)