Assam to be Hit Worst by 'CAA', Warns Former Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla

Aizawl, January 15, 2020:

Former Chief Minister of Mizoram Lal Thanhawla said that Assam is in danger and that it would be the worst sufferer of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

While speaking with Inside Northeast, Thanhawla said, “This (CAA) will affect the Northeast states, particularly Assam. Assam is the biggest state here so it is definitely in danger. It is dangerous for Assam and also for a smaller state like us (Mizoram).”

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He expressed his concerns over the Act’s implementation even though it exempts Mizoram and the areas with Inner Line Permit (ILP). “It violates our Constitution. People’s rights will be violated. Our close neighbors are Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The minorities are only Hindus here, Christians are nominal. As and when these people come to any state in the Northeast, they shall have to be granted citizenship immediately. This will affect Northeast states, particularly for Assam,” he explained.

The former Chief Minister feared that Assam would have to bear the brunt. “All the northeastern states will be affected but Assam would be the worst hit,” he reiterated. Lal Thanhawla extended his support to the agitators in Assam and said, “We stand with Assam and totally oppose the CAA.”

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It may be mentioned here that Assam has been leading the agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act since it poses as a threat to the indigenous people. According to the agitators, the CAA threatens the language and culture of Assam. Massive protests have been continuing ever since the CAB was passed in the Lok Sabha and made into CAA.

The former CM also lashed out at Mizoram’s lone Lok Sabha MP C Lalrosanga for his support to CAA’s implementation. “He is not reliable. While contesting for the Lok Sabha, he promised to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill in all his speeches,” adding that he was greeted with Black Flags by various student and youth organisations for voting in favor of CAB in the Lok Sabha.

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It may be mentioned here that Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma had also demanded that Assam be exempted from the purview of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The statements of Sangma and the former Mizoram CM supporting the Anti-CAA protesters of Assam have come at a time when the Assamese are looking forward to their own leader, Sarbananda Sonowal.

It may be mentioned here that Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal has drawn the ire of his own people after the CAA was implemented despite requests and massive agitations, leading to the death of five people.

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