Morung Express News
Kohima | November 30
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) staged a public rally against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 on November 30 at the Old MLA Junction, Kohima.
The rally was organised under the aegis of the North East Students’ Organisation where the students’ community in the North East region held public rallies in their respective states to oppose the bill.
“The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 is a direct threat to our social structure, our history and our culture,” said Christopher Ltu, President, NSF.
With the Bill proposing to make 'illegal immigrants' from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan etc (Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Christians etc) eligible for citizenship, Ltu mentioned that the North East has been affected by the illegal immigration from Bangladesh. He added that many illegal immigrants are systematically occupying indigenous lands and fields.
“We will strongly resist the creation of another Tripura in any part of the North East region,” said Ltu, who appealed the government to initiate actions in order to safeguard the "social and cultural fabric of Naga society."
“It is also our humble request to the Joint Parliamentary Committee to at least appreciate our efforts as we are trying to strengthen the secular fabric of the country,” added Ltu. The NSF also reminded that it wrote a letter to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, dated August 24 on the issue of illegal immigration where they received a reply on September 22, informing that a committee has been set up assuring of coming up with an interim report within 15 days.
Further, Ltu stated that the letter had assured of a time frame of two months to provide the whole report, however till date the NSF is yet to receive the final report of the committee.
“The letter of assurance we have received from the Chief Minister of Nagaland was that direction has been given to all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict checking of ILP defaulters and ensure that no illegal immigrants are able to enter the State. In order to prevent entry of any illegal immigrants in Nagaland directions have been ensured that ILP is not issued to anyone whose name is not in the NRC list,” informed Ltu who appealed the government to bring out the report at the earliest.
Joyson Yitsuthu, President, Pochury Students’ Union meanwhile urged all Nagas to safeguard the heritage and “glorious” past of the Nagas.
Yitsuthu maintained that the younger generation must carry forward the "proud legacy of their ancestors," and urged people to oppose the bill.
"In order to protect our future, we have to wake up and play a big role," said Ashanthung Humtsoe, General Secretary, Lotha Students' Union appealing all Naga public to oppose the bill. Citing the example of Wokha district, Humtsoe claimed that almost 65 percent of business in the district is owned by illegal immigrants.
Nagaland govt cannot remain evasive on bill, cautions NTC
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 30 (MExN): The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) today stated that the ruling PDA government in the state cannot remain “evasive” on the citizenship bill issue as it “poses immense threat to our very existence in the future.”
Pointing out that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is concluding its study on the Bill within few days time, the NTC expressed concern that the State of Nagaland “has been mum on the issue till today for the reasons better known to authorities…”
“Since Nagaland has not protested against the Bill, the JPC has no reason to visit Nagaland to know the opinions of our people. Nagaland’s silence is definitely considered ‘yes’ for the Bill. The acceptance of the Bill will definitely be suicidal for the state in the long run as anyone can understand the consequences of the Bill,” it claimed.
“The Government of Nagaland should never have soft peddled with the Bill nor should it have the attitude to ‘watch and see’ because the Bill when passed will have devastating impact on the State,” it said.
A press note from the NTC urged the state government to immediately register its protest against the Bill before the Joint Parliamentary panel finalizes its recommendations.