Citizenship Bill: KHADC wants panel to take its views

SHILLONG: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council chief PN Syiem, while opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, has said the council’s views should also be taken.
Addressing the media after the executive committee meeting on Friday, Syiem said the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Bill, which is listening to every stakeholder’s view, should also approach the KHADC.
“The views of the district council should also be sought as there are scheduled areas. But we have taken up the issue and will write to the Standing Committee of Parliament (SCP) to express its opposition to the Bill,” he added.
Syiem, during the KHADC meeting on Friday that discussed the contentious issue, questioned the intention of the Centre in drafting the bill.
He said the executive committee would ask SCP to strengthen the Sixth Schedule instead to protect the indigenous people.
Work permit opposed
The executive committee has opposed the idea to grant work permit to immigrant workers.
According to Syiem, it is a “serious matter that comes at a time when the community is grappling with identity issues due to influx of immigrants”.
“Though work permit to immigrants has not been granted yet we are on the verge of losing our identity. We will lose our identity if work permit is issued,” said Syiem, who added that the committee “is serious” about the issue.
The executive committee will write to the ministry concerned stating that it will not allow such work permits.