PEOPLE’S PARTY OF ARUNACHAL URGES GOVERNMENT TO HOLD MEET ON CITIZENSHIP BILL

Launching its scathing attack on the ruling dispensation, the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has criticized the Pema Khandu-led BJP Govt in the State for maintaining stoic silence on the issues of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and the Chakma-Hajong and Tibetan refugees.

The regional outfit has suggested the State Govt to convene a meeting of all stakeholders, including all political parties, representatives from refugee affected areas, student unions, and subject experts from Rajiv Gandhi University or other institutions at the earliest to discuss the possible implications of the Bill on Arunachal Pradesh.

The Bill proposed by the Central Government seeks to grant citizenship to people without valid documents from six minority communities – Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians – from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residing in India.

The PPA opined that while the Tibetan refugees are excluded from the purview of the Bill for now, but if passed, there is apprehension that the Tibetan refugees will be included in the legislation in the coming years.

If Tibetan refugees start getting citizenship after staying in India for just six years, soon Arunachal Pradesh will be dominated by Tibetans and Chakma-Hajongs, the party said.

Making a mention that Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said that he has no reason to continue on his post if he won’t be able to protect the interest of the people of Assam, the PPA said, in contrast, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu is silent on this issue.

“If he is silent even after being aware of the issue, the common public has no other option but to assume that Pema Khandu and his BJP led State Government is indirectly sympathizing with the Chakma-Hajong and Tibetan refugees and is ready to welcome them to become bonafide citizens of Arunachal Pradesh,” commented PPA.