JD(U) opposes Citizenship Bill

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, June 30: The Janata Dal (United) has opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill-2016, stated the party’s national secretary, Sanjay Verma. Pointing out that citizenship cannot be determined on the basis of religion in a secular country like India, the party’s release added that the Bill would “hamper the cultural and lingustic identity of the indigenous people of Assam and the North East.” Verma further said that If the Bill comes into existence it will nullify the updated national registration of citizenship, which is currently underway in Assam. Verma also stated that citizenship should be granted to the people who entered Assam before 24 March 1971 only.