Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that all ‘D Voter’ cases against the Koch Rajbongshi community have been dropped. The decision aims to address the long-standing concerns of the community regarding their citizenship status. The state government has taken this step after reviewing multiple cases where members of the community faced legal troubles due to their classification as ‘Doubtful Voters’ or ‘D Voters.’
Officials have received instructions to remove the names of Koch Rajbongshis from the ‘D Voter’ list with immediate effect. The move is expected to provide relief to thousands of people who have struggled with legal battles over their citizenship for years. Sarma assured the community that his government remains committed to protecting the identity and rights of indigenous people in Assam. He emphasized that no indigenous group should suffer from legal uncertainties regarding their nationality.
Koch Rajbongshis, a significant ethnic group in Assam and neighboring states, have long demanded the removal of their names from the ‘D Voter’ list. Several community leaders have expressed their gratitude to the state government for addressing their concerns. Many affected families have struggled with employment restrictions, land ownership issues, and difficulties in accessing government benefits due to their ‘D Voter’ status. With this decision, they expect to regain their full rights as citizens of India.
The state government has directed all relevant departments to ensure that the names of Koch Rajbongshis are deleted from the ‘D Voter’ registry. The Election Commission of Assam will work closely with local authorities to update records and verify the citizenship status of affected individuals. The Chief Minister has urged officials to expedite the process so that no member of the community faces legal harassment in the future.
Political observers see this move as a significant step in addressing concerns related to citizenship in Assam. The ‘D Voter’ issue has remained a sensitive political matter, particularly in the context of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and debates over illegal immigration. Various indigenous groups have demanded similar relief, arguing that many cases of ‘D Voter’ classification were based on flawed verification processes.
Sarma clarified that the decision applies only to Koch Rajbongshis, who are recognized as an indigenous community of Assam. He assured that the government would continue working to resolve similar concerns affecting other indigenous groups. However, he warned that the state would maintain strict measures against illegal immigrants and ensure that only legitimate Indian citizens benefit from such relief measures.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among political parties. While leaders from the Koch Rajbongshi community welcomed the move, opposition parties accused the government of playing identity politics. Critics argue that the decision to selectively drop ‘D Voter’ cases could create further divisions among different communities facing similar issues. They have urged the government to adopt a uniform policy for resolving citizenship disputes in the state.
Activists and legal experts have also weighed in on the development. Some believe that the move sets a precedent for reviewing ‘D Voter’ cases for other indigenous communities, while others caution that the process should be transparent and based on legal frameworks. Community leaders have called for a structured approach to resolving similar issues rather than relying on political announcements.
The Assam government has assured that the process will be completed in a time-bound manner. Officials have begun working on necessary legal procedures to implement the decision. Residents affected by the ‘D Voter’ status have been asked to contact local administration offices for assistance in updating their records.
The decision comes ahead of key political events in the state. Many believe that the government’s move is aimed at strengthening its support base among indigenous communities. The Koch Rajbongshis, who have a strong presence in several districts, are expected to play a crucial role in upcoming elections.
For affected families, the announcement brings a sense of relief after years of uncertainty. Many individuals who were unable to vote in previous elections due to their ‘D Voter’ status now hope to reclaim their democratic rights. Others see this as a positive step in preserving their cultural identity and securing their future in Assam.
The state government has reiterated that its priority is to ensure justice for all indigenous communities while maintaining a strict stance on illegal immigration. Authorities will continue monitoring citizenship-related cases and work towards a fair resolution of identity disputes in the region.
