Guwahati: A new book critically examining Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) process was launched on Saturday (May 2, 2026), presenting a detailed analysis of its historical roots, legal framework, and political implications, while arguing strongly for a “fool-proof” citizens’ database to safeguard indigenous communities.
Titled “NRC – Turning Hope into Despair: Process, Politics and the Marginalisation of Indigenous People in Assam,” the book is authored by Upamanyu Hazarika, a senior advocate and former Supreme Court-appointed commissioner on the Indo-Bangladesh border, along with Shantanu Parashar, a District Project Supervisor for NRC in Dhubri.
The authors describe the NRC as the “last resort” for identifying foreigners and securing the rights of indigenous people in Assam. They argue that an accurate and error-free NRC is essential to fulfil the aspirations of the Assam Movement, which sought to address concerns over illegal migration.
According to the book, migration trends over the past century could result in indigenous communities becoming a minority in Assam after 2040. It stresses that a robust NRC database would not only identify foreigners but also help in designing policies to reserve resources for local populations.
The publication highlights what it calls significant flaws in the NRC process, including the creation of fraudulent document trails and weak enforcement mechanisms—issues that have been flagged in various court observations. It proposes a comprehensive re-verification process, noting that the digitisation of NRC data could make such an exercise more efficient.
The authors also critique the state government’s position that delimitation of constituencies is a solution to the foreigners’ issue. They argue that delimitation merely redraws electoral boundaries and does not determine citizenship, thereby failing to address the core concern of identifying illegal migrants.
The book further examines eviction drives carried out in recent years, claiming that such measures do not necessarily ensure that individuals of doubtful nationality leave the state. In some cases, it notes, alleged encroachers have been rehabilitated without verification of citizenship status.
Another key argument presented is that re-verification of the NRC does not require prior approval from the Supreme Court, citing statutory provisions that vest such authority with the government.
The volume lays out a roadmap for transforming the NRC into a dynamic and tamper-proof database, with continuous updates and policy applications. It also raises security concerns, citing estimates of a large population of undocumented migrants and the geopolitical sensitivities of the region, including its proximity to Bangladesh and the strategic Siliguri Corridor.
Representatives from Chaygaon and Sipajhar—areas that have witnessed land encroachment issues—were present at the launch, underlining the local relevance of the debate.
The authors also points out that that there is no viable alternative to a credible NRC for identifying foreigners and protecting the demographic and political interests of Assam’s indigenous population.