Amended Citizenship Act not to affect North East: Himanta

SHILLONG: The amended Citizenship Act, which has created much controversy and led many to question the secular stand of India, will have no spillover effect on tribal-dominated Meghalaya, said BJP senior leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday.
Addressing media persons in the city, the Assam Education Minister said India has to shoulder some responsibility but it should not be at the cost of northeastern states.
Last year, the Centre had moved an amendment to the Act that seeks to provide citizenship to Hindus who face religious persecution in other countries. The amendment Bill is under the consideration of a parliamentary select committee.
Pressure groups in Meghalaya have been raising their voices against the amendment as they feel this would lead to influx. Groups like the North East Students Organisation have threatened protests if the proposed amended Act is not withdrawn.
Allaying the fears, Biswa said Assam is already bearing the burden of one crore legal and illegal migrants.
The Hindus who would migrate to India as per the amended Act can be made to settle outside the northeastern states, he said.
“We will not do anything that would affect the tribals of the North East,” he told reporters.
The amendment to grant swifter citizenship to minorities from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is a key promise of the NDA government that argues that India has a duty to help Hindu refugees.