Consultative meeting of Political Parties, Tribal Hohos, Civil Societies and NGOs on Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 in progress on January 31 at Rhododendron Hall Chümoukedima. (DIPR Photo)
‘Any person who acquires Indian citizenship through CAB will be as ineligible for acquiring property or settling down in Nagaland as any other non-Naga including Indian citizens are presently’
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The consultative meeting held today between the Nagaland State Government and civil society organizations today resolved to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2016 and “outrightly reject its implementation in Nagaland.”
The meeting held in at Rhododendron Hall, Chümoukedima today was attended by representatives from ENPO, NSF, ENSF, NMA, NUTA, APO, Ao Senden, Chakesang Public Organisation, Chang Tribal Council, Lotha Hoho, Phom People Council, Pochury Hoho, Sumi Hoho, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Yimchunger Tribal Council and Zeliang Peoples Organisation, reported the Directorate of Information and Public Relations. Political parties who attended were the BJP, NDPP, NPP, JDU, and NCP.
However prominent among the absentees from the meeting were the Naga Hoho, the CNTC, Congress, Nagaland GBs Federation and the opposition NPF; the latter having decided to boycott the meeting terming it as an “eye was” tactic of the ruling government.
The meeting, while affirming that Article 371(A) of the Constitution protects and safeguards the rights and privileges of the citizens of Nagaland, said that no act of Parliament, shall apply in the State of Nagaland unless the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides.
It further resolved that no non-indigenous person can claim rights and privileges in Nagaland as “we stand protected under the provisions of Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India and the Inner Line Permit mechanism as per the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 which has been reaffirmed as Clause 16 of the 16 Point Agreement.”
Article 371 (A) ensures that citizens of India who are not indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland cannot acquire property or settle down in Nagaland, it reminded. The meeting resolution therefore reasoned that “any person who acquires Indian citizenship through the amended Citizenship Amendment Bill will be as ineligible for acquiring property or settling down in Nagaland as any other non-Naga including Indian citizens are presently.”
It also agreed upon that the Nagaland Assembly should discuss and resolve towards enforcing ILP regulations all over the State including Dimapur district.
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio felt that Nagas need to recognise their rights and fight for it, explaining that “our privileges are clearly written in the 16th point Agreement clause 16.”
“There is nothing more to discuss, now we have to strengthen our voices by taking appropriate decisions and by passing a resolution in the Assembly,” he stated.
He also termed the NPF’s decision to boycott the meeting as unfortunate and felt that the issue needs to be deliberated with one voice.
Deputy Chief Minister Nagaland, Y Patton assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to safeguard the interest of the state’s people. “If the proposed amendment bill goes against the interest of the Nagas, the government will oppose it,” he reiterated.
Nagaland State Unit BJP President, Imna Along also expressed opposition to accepting the bill in its present form. The state BJP, he stated, has called for a meeting on February 2 to deliberate on the issue. He also informed that a party representative would be sent to Delhi to apprise central leaders towards safeguarding the indigenous rights of the Nagas and NE people. He expressed optimism that central leaders would take notice of the NE’s concerns.
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