CAB: Chief Minister Pema Khandu constitutes consultative committee

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: Standing firm to his commitment, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has constituted a consultative committee to safeguard the rights of the indigenous people of the State following the Central Government’s proposal for enactment of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB).

In an official order issued on Tuesday, a nine-member consultative committee has been constituted with Home Minister Bamang Felix as its chairman.

The other members of the committee includes, MLAs Ninong Ering, Tapuk Taku, Kardo Nyigor, Kento Jinni, Hayeng Mangfi besides state advocate general Kardak Ete. While Secretary (General Administration) Sadhna Deori has been appointed as member secretary of the committee, sources at the CMO informed.

The committee will conduct meetings with all stakeholders including community based organisations, student organisations, political parties and other organizations. They will give recommendations on the issue, in respect of the safeguards enshrined in the Constitution of India, Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 and Chin Hill Regulations Act of 1896 and other acts and rules in place protecting the interests of indigenous people of the State of Arunachal Pradesh.

The recommendations highlighting the concerns of the people regarding the impending Citizenship amendment Bill would be submitted to the state government, which will be further presented to the concerned ministry, so as to ensure that adequate provisions are incorporated in the aforesaid bill safeguarding the interests of the people of the State, the sources said.

It is worth mentioning that in light of the possibility of Citizenship Amendment bill expected to be tabled in the Parliament of India in the ensuing winter session, there is an apprehension among the indigenous people of the State regarding protection of indigenous rights of the state schedule tribes in the aforesaid bill.

During a recent meeting of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) at Guwahati, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that the concerns of the people of the North Eastern states will be incorporated in the Citizenship Amendment Bill and has sought suggestions in the regard.

Khandu had recently announced to form a consultative committee to safeguard the rights and interest of the indigenous people of the state during a public rally.

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