Vote against CAB in Rajya Sabha, AASU urges political parties

* Masses appealed to go for a vigorous democratic movement

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The All Assam Students Union (AASU) has appealed to all the political parties including the allies of the UPA as well as the allies of the NDA (barring the BJP) to vote against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019, in the Rajya Sabha for “the safety and security of the indigenous people of Assam and the North East”. The apex students’ body of the State further called for “a vigorous democratic movement against the Bill”.

Talking to The Sentinel, AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi said, “The Central Government is adamant to pass the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. BJP president Amit Shah has spoken openly in its support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also supported the Bill at a meeting in Silchar. What is more, even President of India Ram Nath Kovind has spoken in its favour in the Parliament.

“Hence, the looming threat has become a reality. The indigenous people in Tripura have already become minority in their home State. Once the Bill is passed, Assam and the other northeastern States will be facing the similar threat.

“It’s really strange that the BJP-led governments at the Centre and the State are forcefully imposing this Bill on the people without listening to their united voices of opposition.”

Launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the AASU leader said, “The people of Assam never expected a rubber stamp Chief Minister like Sonowal, who is now justifying the Bill. Fearing black flags, the State’s Chief Minister can’t move around openly. If the Bill gets passed during the tenure of Sonowal, the people of the State will never forgive him.”

Gogoi also appealed to the AASU supporters including its leaders and members to carry forward the movement against the Bill in a peaceful democratic manner, and to restrain all forms of violence.”

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