Expressing concern over the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 in Lok Sabha and the developments relating to the Bill in the North Eastern states, former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the decision taken by his Government for the greater interest of the indigenous citizens of the country, particularly the NE region.
In his letter addressed to Prime Minister, Mr Tuki wrote,”the hurry in which the Bill is passed in the Parliament in the wake of the ensuing Parliament elections neglecting the rights, privileges and sentiments of the indigenous people of North East is something which was avoidable at this time.”
The Union Government who is supposed to preserve , protest and safeguard the uniqueness and characteristics of the protected Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and other states cannot be subject to unrest and intimidation due to the largesse’s of the Government without understanding the consequences and social, cultural and demographic imbalances which will be detrimental to the existence of the region itself, he said.
“Arunachal Pradesh has already faced the unfortunate issue of settlement of Chakma –Hajong refugees which has created large scale dissatisfaction and cultural problems in the State. Therefore, I earnestly urge your goodself to reconsider the decision taken by your Government,” the former Chief Minister wrote to Prime Minister on Monday.
In a separate letter to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr Tuki apprised him that other political parties and the Chief Ministers of the alliance partners of the BJP under North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) has totally opposed the CAB.
“Our Congress party should also make the stand clear and raise the issue and may ensure that the Bill is defeated in the Rajya Sabha in order to protect the rights and privileges of the North east India,” the Congress MLA wrote to Dr Singh, a day after he shot off letter to Mr Modi.
Mr Tuki also wrote to Chief Minister Pema Khandu urging him to take a strong decision to protest before the Centre for immediate withdrawal of the proposed Bill.
He also requested him to urge the Centre for exemption from CAB to Arunachal Pradesh.
It may be mentioned that 10 regional political parties of the North East including several allies of BJP, passed an unanimous resolution to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016, at a convention in Guwahati recently.
The CAB, 2016, seeks to give Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.(UNI)
