National Register of Citizens: Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah on Saturday opened up about the much-hyped illegal immigration issue in the country and said that Indians have the right to country’s resources and it's is not a ‘dharamshala’ where illegal immigrants can come and settle down. Shah further described these immigrants as a threat to country’s security and said they should not be connected to BJP. “NRC should not be seen by connecting it with the BJP only. It is a way to solve the country's basic problems. How is it possible that anyone can come and settle down here? The country cannot run like this. Those who are its citizens should stay here only and they only have the right to the resources of this country,” news agency PTI quoted the BJP president as saying.

While speaking at a function organised by a media group, Shah criticised Congress over the issue and alleged that these intruders are being used as a vote bank over the past 70 years. “They (intruders) should be identified. Delete their names from the electoral roll. The BJP clearly believes that they should be identified and deported. Intruders have also threatened the security of the country," he said while replying to a question on National Register of Citizens (NCR).

Shah’s comments came in the backdrop of the ongoing illegal immigration issue in Assam which faced an influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century. Right now Assam is the only state in the country which has NCR, first prepared in 1951.

However, it is being updated under the monitoring of the Supreme Court. The complete draft of the NRC was published on July 30 and included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total 3.29 crore applications. Those omitted have been given an opportunity to submit documents afresh to prove their residency.

Even last month in Rajasthan, during Assembly election campaigning, Shah targeted Congress President Rahul Gandhi for allegedly showing concern for the “rights of illegal immigrants in Assam”. Shah also promised that if BJP comes to power in 2019, ut will ensure that “each and every infiltrator is identified and thrown out of the country”.

(With agency inputs)