Newmai News Network
Imphal | February 14
BJP Manipur Pradesh on Thursday extended a rousing welcome to Chief Minister N Biren Singh who arrived in Imphal after days of camping in New Delhi with representatives of 11 political parties against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
The Chief Minister led delegation of 11 political parties who formed Manipur Democratic Alliance (MDA) in the wake of mass uproar against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 had camped at the national capital for few days.
Even though CAB was listed among the Bills to be tabled in the house of the Rajya Sabha, the session was adjourned sine die without tabling the Bill.
When the delegates led by the Chief Minister touched down Imphal airport on Thursday afternoon, state BJP workers and supporters extended a rousing welcome to the Chief Minister and his colleagues.
Ministers and MLAs of the ruling BJP were among them who welcomed the Chief Minister and other delegates of the MDA with garlands.
They chanted various slogans praising the Chief Minister and the party. They also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders at the Centre.
A procession of vehicles and motorcycles was carried out from Airport to Hatta Kangjeibung where a felicitation function was held.
Addressing the function, the Chief Minister credited the non-passing of the CAB in the Rajya Sabha to the people, particularly womenfolk and civil society organisations.
Biren claimed that the BJP-led coalition government worked with its best not to able the Bill in the house of Rajya Sabha.
The Chief Minister also said that the state government had openly put down its resolute stand against the Bill to the leaders of the Central government.
Biren Singh further said that his government will consult with civil society organisations regarding steps to be taken up to safeguard the indigenous people of the state.
“My government always ready to discuss with the people regarding this issue,” he said.
Convenor of MDA, M Tombi Singh said that it was the voice of the people of the Northeastern states that prevented the Rajya Sabha from passing the Bill.
Need for NRC in Manipur: CM
Expressing need of National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Manipur, Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh said that the State Government of Manipur had already requested the Centre to allow preparation of NRC for Manipur.
Speaking to media persons, Biren Singh also said that people need not worry about Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) any more as the Bill would lapse on its own as it was not passed by the Rajya Sabha. He added that the Centre had clearly expressed this time that no decision concerning the North East region or Manipur would be taken without consulting or taking consent from the region.
Responding to a query, N. Biren Singh clarified that the State Government never wanted to impose curfew and ban data internet service because such prohibitions create inconvenience to public. However, the curfew and ban were clamped keeping Government's responsibility of saving people's lives and properties and maintaining order in mind, he conveyed. N. Biren Singh also urged social network users to be responsible and not to post anything which is anti-national and which may spread hatred and create communal tension among people.
