Nagaland 18-hour shutdown against CAB passes peacefully
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 20
The 18-hour ‘voluntary shutdown’ called by the North East Forum for Indigenous Peoples (NEFIP) and the Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) passed off peacefully across Nagaland.
The two organizations had called the shutdown with effect since Tuesday 6 pm protesting the decision of the central government to introduce the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) 2016 in the ongoing session of the Parliament. Several civil society organizations have also lent their support to the call.
On Wednesday as the shut down continued till noon, shops and business establishments remained closed in all the districts even as normal activities were reportedly carried out without any untoward incidents.
In most of the districts, the shutdown was monitored by civil society organizations. The shutdown was restricted to commercial establishments with exemptions on vehicular movements, police, examinations, weddings and other public affairs. Government and private offices and educational institutions remained open. Vehicular movement though not restricted was minimal.
NE unanimous in rejection of CAB: JCPI
Meanwhile, the JCPI extended appreciation to the citizens of Nagaland for their co-operation towards the clarion call of NEFIP to project a united voice of the North East people against the contentious CAB, 2016.
The 18-hour state-wide bandh is purely a “conscience call” for the people to take their respective responsibility to voice their opinion for or against the CAB, 2016. The spontaneous response of the people from all districts in spite of the hectic season is a big sacrifice and the message was loud and clear against the CAB, a press statement issued by media cell, JCPI stated on Wednesday.
It asserted that the protest in the entire North East region is unanimous and a clear rejection of the impending CAB, which is yet to be tabled on the floor of the parliament. “We strongly believe that the Government of India will definitely consult the stake holders of the region before introducing the contentious Bill in the Parliament,” it added.
Stating that the region cannot accept anything that is imposed on the people without its prior consent, the JCPI alleged the GOI of undermining the sentiment of the region “by imposing alien culture through forcible assimilation and to convert the region into a dumping ground for illegal intruders.”
“We fail to understand why the magnificent India prefers the foreigners to genuine indigenous citizens of the region. Now, the indigenous population of the region has vowed to fight for our rights collectively and therefore, we shall not rest till justice is delivered,” it stated.
The JCPI also conveyed appreciation to all the CSOs, Tribal Hohos, commercial organisations and the stakeholders for their support and participation in making the shutdown a success.
