New Delhi, Aug. 2: Concerned that genuine citizens may be victimised after the repeal of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, the Assam government has set up ?protection committees? to prevent a re-run of the mid-Sixties, when citizens were deported to East Pakistan.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi said legal protection committees have been set up at the party-level to protect Muslim citizens who might be harassed under the Foreigners? Act, 1946, that has replaced the IM(DT) Act. Plans are afoot to set up similar committees at the thana and panchayat levels as well, he added.

Speaking to the media at the Press Club here today, Gogoi explained the rationale behind the IM(DT) Act in Assam. He also highlighted the measures initiated by the government to check misuse of powers under the Foreigners? Act. He said that deputy commissioners of all the districts have been put on alert.

He also discussed the issue at length today with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who assured that, if necessary, the Foreigners? Act would be amended. Singh also said steps would be taken to prevent illegal migration from Bangladesh.

On the criticism by some minority organisations that the government had not done enough to retain the IM(DT) Act, Gogoi said, ?Minorities are well aware of the protection provided by the government. I still enjoy the confidence of the people of Assam.?