The consultative meeting of the State government with civil society groups, tribal organisations, political parties, NGOs, etc, held at Rhododendron Hall, Chumukedima here on Thursday unanimously resolved to oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and rejected it outright its implementation in Nagaland.
Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Neiphiu Rio opined that Nagas need to recognise their rights and fight for them, explaining that the privileges were clearly defined in the 16-Point Agreement. He said all Nagas have to fight united for protecting their rights under Article 371(A).
Noting the opposition of Nagas to the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), Rio remarked, “There is nothing more to discuss. Now, we have to strengthen our voice by taking appropriate decisions and by passing a resolution in the Assembly.”
He also emphasised on extending Inner Line Permit (ILP) to entire Nagaland, including Dimapur.
On NPF boycotting the consultative meet, the chief minister termed it as unfortunate and felt that CAB was an important issue that needed to be deliberated with one voice.
In his speech, deputy chief minister Y Patton assured the House that the State government was taking all necessary steps to safeguard the interest of the people of the State.
“If the proposed amendment Bill goes against the interest of the Nagas, the government will oppose it,” he asserted.
Patton said the consultative meet was called to gather different shades of opinions on CAB and assured that the PDA government would continue to take measures to further strengthen rights and interest of the people.
BJP State president Imna Along, who is also a minister in Rio cabinet, endorsed the State cabinet’s decision of January 18 opposing CAB. Being a Naga, he said he understood concerns of the Nagas and endorsed the stand of the Naga people not to accept the Bill in its present form.
He further informed the House that BJP Nagaland unit had convened a meeting on February 2 to deliberate on the issue.
Imna said a party representative would be sent to New Delhi for giving suggestions to party’s central leaders on safeguarding rights of the Nagas and other North-eastern people. He was optimistic that leaders at Delhi had noticed the concern of the people of the region.
Representatives from ENPO, ENPO, NSF, ENSF, NMA, NUTA, APO, Ao Senden, Chakesang Public Organisation, Chang Tribal Council, Lotha Hoho, Phom People’s Council, Pochury Hoho, Sumi Hoho, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Yimchunger Tribal Council and Zeliang People’s Organisation who participated in the meeting expressed their opposition to implementation of CAB in Nagaland. Political parties, including BJP, NDPP, NPP, JDU and NCP, too declared their opposition to the Bill.
Minister Neiba Kronu and retired bureaucrat HK Khulu also spoke at the meeting.