Appreciating all sections of people who have expressed concern over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2016 as rights, safeguards and protection of “our people is a common concern for all of us”, NDPP said the PDA government’s stand will be based on the collective view of the people.
In keeping with this approach, the party pointed out that the State cabinet had taken the decision to call a consultative meet of all sections, including tribal hohos, civil society groups, NGOs, political parties, prominent citizens and all stakeholders to ascertain the views, opinions and suggestions of all sections of the Naga society. And the consensus arrived at the meeting would naturally become the stand of the State government and presented before GoI, it added.
NDPP said the State cabinet had also referred the matter to the Standing Committee on Article 371 (A) of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which includes members representing all political parties, to study the issue and submit its report to the House so that measures could be taken up collectively to further protect and safeguard “our people”.
Regarding the report of ILP Committee, constituted to look into BEFR/ILP, NDPP said the latter would submit its final report and recommendations only after it gathered opinions and suggestions from all sections in a transparent and democratic manner. Therefore, it appealed to all concerned to come forward and give their recommendations through written submissions and also by participating in the consultative meet.
As the matter was of utmost importance and would have far-reaching repercussions, the party called for addressing the issue in a patient and sensible manner. And as a government that represented will of the people, NDPP assured all sections that the recommendations of the ILP Committee and the stand of the State government would well and truly reflect the will and desire of the people.
“Naga society is a very open and democratic society. Therefore, in keeping with this tradition of ours, let us all come forward and participate in a positive and democratic manner, while avoiding all forms of negativity, with the sole intension of protecting and safeguarding the rights of our people for now and for generations to come,” the party exhorted.