Arunachal's BJP Govt to "Unequivocally" Oppose CAB?

Itanagar, November 22, 2019:

In the latest blow to the Government's resolve to enact the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the BJP-led government in Arunachal Pradesh has indicated it will "unequivocally" oppose the legislation unless "specific amendments" are made.

The decision was taken after a "final meeting" on the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), which was attended by the BJP-led government in the state, other political parties, student and youth bodies, and community-based organisations.

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A consultative committee has asked the centre, through the state government, to include provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 and the Chin Hills Regulation of 1896 in the Bill.

A statement released by Pema Khandu's Government read "...all provisions (of the 1873 Regulation)... shall be deemed to have been enacted under this (the citizenship bill) act and shall have effect accordingly..."

According to the statement, these two regulations were necessary to protect the indigenous tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh.

The "final meeting" was chaired by Bamang Felix, Arunachal Home Minister and Chairman of CAB 2019 consultative committee.

It has been reported that Arunachal Chief Minister Khandu will now visit Delhi to appraise the Union Home Ministry on the decision of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

It may be mentioned that protests against the Bill have been raging across the Northeast, and protests were also recorded in Manipur after an 18-hour bandh was called on Tuesday.

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