Meghalaya CM Sangma urges Northeast counterparts to oppose Bill; what will be ‘Jatiya Nayak’ Sonowal’s stand?

Guwahati, January 18, 2019:

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has urged all the Chief Ministers from the Northeast to come together in opposition against the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 which is perceived as a threat to the interests of indigenous people of the region.

In light of mounting protests against the Bill as well as continued pressure by ally governments in Meghalaya and Mizoram, it will be interesting to see what Sonowal’s stand will be. It is to be mentioned that Sonowal has been adamant thus far in his support for the Bill, despite mounting opposition both from the opposition as well as his own party.

“This is a Bill that most of the people of the Northeast do not accept”, stated Chief Minister Sangma, while addressing the media from capital Delhi where Sangma, accompanied by Mizoram CM Zoramthanga, and several delegates reached to address concerns over the Bill.

Sangma told the media that all the Chief Ministers of Northeast should come together to express their concerns on the issue and stand in unity before the central leadership for the welfare of the entire Northeastern region.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong accompanied by a delegation comprising of all MDA partners today called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).

The Chief Minister briefed the Union Minister that all the six coalition partners including UDP, BJP, HSPDP, PDF, NCP and Independents were of the view that the bill will disturb the social fabric of Meghalaya and the North East by posing serious law and order problem in the region.

“The Citizenship Amendment Bill will affect North East to a large extent. The bill is against the spirit of the people of North East as this will have serious repercussions and will create law and order problems in the region,” said the Chief Minister.

Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh said, “The Bill has hurt the sentiment of the tribal people of Meghalaya and particularly the minority communities and the central leadership should reconsider the bill.”

Urban Affairs Minister Hamlet Dohling said, “There is resentment amongst the people of Meghalaya against the bill that has been passed in the Lok Sabha. I urge the centre to reconsider the bill, which will create a lot of problem as it will affect the identity of our people.”

Health Minister A.L. Hek said, “Everybody in Meghalaya is opposed to the bill. I urge your good office to reconsider the decision and resolve a solution for the people of Meghalaya and the North East.” NCP MLA Saleng A. Sangma said, “The bill will finish the identity of the people of Meghalaya and will led to different social problems in the State.”

The meeting was attended by PWD Minister Commingone Ymbon, PHE Minister Samlin Malgniang, Chairman State Planning Board Lambor Malgniang, Renikton Lyngdoh, S.G. Mominin and Govt. Chief Whip Marcuise Marak.

The Chief Minister along with his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga also had a detailed discussion with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to express concerns and dissatisfaction of the people of Northeast against the Bill.

The delegates will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow to discuss the issue. Moreover, Rajnath Singh has stated that a meeting will be held which will be attended by all Chief Ministers of the region.