New Delhi: The All Assam Minorities Students’ Union has approached the Election Commission of India over alleged voter disenfranchisement linked to the National Register of Citizens process in Assam. The organisation submitted a detailed memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner highlighting concerns over voting rights, citizenship procedures, and constitutional protections.
AAMSU noted Assam remains the only state where the NRC exercise reached completion, with the final list published on August 31, 2019. According to the memorandum, the process left widespread uncertainty, especially among residents excluded from the list despite possession of valid documents and long standing residence in the state.
The organisation stated exclusion from the NRC increasingly intersects with electoral verification. Individuals listed on electoral rolls face classification as Doubtful Voters, known as D Voters. AAMSU alleged election authorities mark such voters without proper notice or transparent procedure, resulting in denial of voting rights.
Serious concerns were raised regarding Foreigners’ Tribunals, which decide citizenship cases in Assam. AAMSU alleged inconsistent standards of evidence and excessive burden placed on individuals facing proceedings. Many affected persons belong to economically weak or socially marginalised backgrounds. The memorandum claimed minority communities face a disproportionate share of adverse tribunal outcomes, raising concerns over equality before law.
AAMSU also pointed to contradictions between NRC inclusion and tribunal proceedings. Individuals whose names appear in the final NRC continue to receive tribunal notices. The organisation argued such overlap creates legal confusion and prolonged harassment. According to the memorandum, NRC inclusion should resolve citizenship status and prevent parallel actions.
The representation highlighted humanitarian consequences of prolonged uncertainty. Families face financial strain from repeated legal appearances, legal fees, and disrupted livelihoods. The memorandum also flagged psychological stress arising from fear of detention, social stigma, and family separation.
AAMSU warned against using NRC data during electoral roll revision. The organisation stressed NRC exclusion alone lacks legal basis for removal of names from voter lists. Voting rights operate under constitutional and electoral laws separate from NRC mechanisms.
The organisation urged the Election Commission to issue binding guidelines to election officials in Assam. It demanded an end to arbitrary D Voter marking and called for transparency and accountability during voter verification.
The memorandum appealed for protection of constitutional values including equality, justice, and secularism. AAMSU cautioned continued ambiguity risks undermining democratic trust and deepening social divisions. The Election Commission has issued no public response so far.
