Arunachal Pradesh to Convene Special Cabinet Special Meeting on CAB

Our Correspondent

Namsai: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday announced to call a special Cabinet meeting on November 18 to discuss on the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) which is likely to be tabled up in the Winter Session of the Parliament.

Participating in the National Press Day celebration here, Khandu informed that the government has decided to convene a special cabinet to discuss the recommendations of the Consultative Committee.

“The Consultative Committee on CAB, constituted by the government had convened several meetings with political parties, students’ bodies and community-based organisations to seek their opinions on the CAB and to prepare a comprehensive and consolidated report on the issue. The committee has finalized the report which will be discussed in the cabinet and the stand of the government will be communicated to the Centre,” the Chief Minister said.

He said, the State Government would never work against the interest of the indigenous people of the State and would ensure that their rights are not curtailed.

“The Central Government has made its stand clear on the Bill assuring that it will not affect the tribal States,” Khandu added.

The State Government would present the panel’s recommendations to the central government to ensure that adequate provisions are incorporated in the CAB to safeguard the interests of the people of the State, Khandu categorically said.

Various students’ bodies led by All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) have opposed the CAB saying it would affect the tribal population of the State.

The lawmakers of the state during a meeting on November 11 last have suggested the state government to approach the Centre to convert two regulations that provide safeguard to the indigenous people into acts, before enacting the CAB.

The MLAs, during a meeting with the Consultative Committee on Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), requested the state to urge the Centre to convert the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 and the Chin Hills Regulation 1896 into acts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said on October 1 that Parliament will pass the CAB which will grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after seven years of stay in the country even if they do not possess proper documents.

The indigenous people of the Northeastern states fear that entry of these people will endanger their identity and livelihood.

During a recent meeting of the North East Democratic Alliance at Guwahati, Shah, also BJP president, had said the concerns of the North Eastern states will be incorporated in the CAB and has sought suggestions on the issue.

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