Journal of Contemporary Politics

Abstract

The politics of citizenship debate in Assam has always been an issue of intense political and social discourse in the northeast region of India. It has manifested itself into the complex interplay of migration, identity, and the concept of belonging. With the passage of time, it has uncovered itself into the contemporary political narrative of national identity and regional autonomy. The crucial theme of this debate revolves around the question of who qualifies as a legitimate citizen of Assam and who does not, and on what grounds one qualifies, which have been influenced, to a great extent, by both colonial and post-colonial developments. Thus, to better understand this complex issue of citizenship politics, it is crucial to consider the role played by the related historical diplomacy in the origination and further continuation of the debate. This paper aims to explore how the emerging debates of citizenship politics in Assam traces back to colonialism and postcolonial times, highlighting how these two power structures have contributed to complex political scenario in the region and current citizenship narratives.

Keywords: Citizenship, Colonialism, Assam, Migration, Assam Accord, NRC, CAA