Dimapur, January 29 (MExN): Following the Nagaland State Cabinet’s decision to oppose and reject the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) today questioned whether the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government has firmly taken the decision in opposing the Bill.
While appreciating the PDA Government for heeding the cries of the people, the NPF in a statement issued by its Press Bureau also aired that the sudden u-turn indicated that “something was amiss.” “It was only a few days ago the PDA was stone hard on their earlier decision made on January 5, 2019 not to oppose the Bill.”
“What has prompted them to retract its utterances made in the past few days citing Article 371 A and ILP as a blanket shield for the entire Nagas,” the party questioned.
It further alleged the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio of being a strong supporter of the CAB, “announcing his commitment not to oppose the Bill on June 12, 2018.”
“The PDA Government must realize that the outcome of the public attendance on Republic Day was a clear indication that the Naga people are totally denouncing the Bill,” it added. “The reactions of the public, agitations and opposition from all corners, the PDA cabinet decision to backtrack from their original stand is nothing short of betraying the Nagas. Nevertheless, this proves once and for all that Article 371 (A) and ILP cannot shield us from the onslaught of CAB,” the NPF said
It further questioned whether Lok Sabha MP, Tokheho Yepthomi who had already voted in favor of the bill on January 8 would withdraw his vote as the government has decided to reject the Bill. “As for the NPF Rajya Sabha MP it will outrightly oppose the bill in the upper house,” it stated.
