DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The Lotha Hoho has slammed Naga leaders, in particular the tribal organizations and legislators representing Nagaland, for their laid-back attitude to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 which was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 and awaits approval from the Rajya Sabha.
Terming the Bill as anti-Naga, Media & publicity cell, Lotha Hoho on Wednesday expressed consternation against the Naga leaders for not raising their voice against the Bill when needed and doing nothing to make use of the provisions available for protection of the Naga people whom they are representing. It also wanted to know if the Nagaland MP had objected the Bill when it was passed in the Lok Sabha.
It maintained that even though Nagaland state has provisions such as BEFRA 1873, 16 Point Agreement to make use of for its own protection, Nagas were not utilizing these constitutional provisions or agreements when the need arises.
Citing instance, the Lotha Hoho said the provisions of the 16 Point Agreement, in particular Clause 1, 11, 12 & 13 (to be under external ministry, financial assistance, restoration of transferred reserved forest, and consolidation of contiguous Naga areas) need to be claimed since these provisions are already written and available.
It lamented that instead of making use of the provisions, Naga leaders are in a hurry to please the central leaders, accept acts and policies without caring to ponder on the consequences of adopting such policies.
Referring to reactions against the Bill from other Northeastern states, it pointed out that Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) had pulled out of the alliance with BJP, Mehdi Alom Bora of Assam BJP had resigned from BJP, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma had snapped ties with BJP, and the Manipur BJP Chief Minister had led delegation to meet the PM Modi and Home Minister for review of the Bill.
Further, the NSF and NESO had imposed bandh throughout the North East against the Bill; to which the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) had extended full support, the JD (U), Nagaland had slammed the BJP for Bill, and the NPF president has also voiced against the Bill. The BJP North East units have asked the PM to review the Bill.
However, in spite of all these reactions from different organizations across the region, the Naga leaders, instead of making efforts to oppose the Bill, have exhibited their usual character of choosing power and money; and not their people, the Lotha Hoho has alleged.
It has therefore urged the Naga leaders to bear in mind that the Nagas have not elected them to argue among themselves; but to safeguard our welfare and to protect us. It also urged the Naga leaders to put their acts together before the Bill gets through the Rajya Sabha. Once the Bill gets through the RS no amount of resentment will undo that which has been passed at the parliaments, it added.
