Passing Citizenship Bill is seeking to eradicate NE states: AMSU

Imphal, January 10, 2019:

AMSU President Manjit Sarangthem has stated that the discrimination meted out by the Central Government in passing the Citizenship Bill without the consent of the North Eastern people is very unfortunate. He said facing all the discrimination and problems in the country presently does not make them feel Indian anymore.

The passing of the bill amidst cries of the people to pass the ILP (Inner Line Permit) in the state is like seeking to eradicate indigenous communities of the NE states, he stated scornfully. He also stated that the Chief Minister remaining silent over the issue is disheartening and strongly condemned his act.

Manjit continued that it is very unfortunate for the North Eastern people and particularly people the state as the Bill will bring forth a radical transformation in culture, identity and customs of the entire communities of the North eastern states and particularly Manipur.

Manjit recalled the statement of Chief Minister, N. Biren on May 21, 2018 assuring the people that the implementation of the bill will not create problem in the state. He also lamented the Chief Minister’s silence over the issue and called it “disgraceful”.

Manjit also pointed out that even the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Mizoram were also opposed on the bill and questioned on the stand of the Chief Minister N Biren.

He also maintained that various agitations against the Bill were held by North Eastern Students’ Union (NESO) along with eight students’ unions of NE states at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.

He also added that a memorandum had also been submitted to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, urging not to pass the bill. He said, after the aftermath of the bill passed in the country, the NE people in particular will faced the darkest phase and especially the people of Manipur.

He stated that now is the right time for the entire people of Northeast states to wake up and do something for the future as the incidents which happened in Tripura can happen to the people of Manipur after a few years.

AMSU will be organizing an awareness camp, workshop and meeting etc, regarding the Bill at the earliest also maintained that AMSU will support any steps taken up by NESO in the future.

It may be mentioned that the Citizenship Bill to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 7. The Act will provide relief to persecuted migrants who have come through western borders of the country to states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and other states.

Manjit appealed to all the people, CSOs, students’ unions, Meira Paibees Lup and other associations to support and participate in any step taken by the AMSU.

On the other hand, AMSU extended heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders, CSOs, student unions and other organizations for support and cooperation during the bandh. He also lauded the media fraternity for their huge contribution and taking of responsibility in taking the news every corners of the state.