Now, MLA fears militancy, civil war

SHILLONG: The state president of the Nationalist Congress Party in Meghalaya, Saleng Sangma, fears that the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill might lead to a civil war apart from resulting in mushrooming of militant groups.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, the Gambegre MLA said he is with the people and if people are against it, the government should not force them to accept the bill.
“When you see the past, there was always a push factor for the militants to mushroom,” he said while urging the government to ensure that the past should not repeat itself in the North East region.
Maintaining that the bill will make the tribals of the region insecure, Saleng feared that the situation will force people to become militants and with the implementation of the bill, there will be many challenges for the entire region.
“Our people will feel unprotected and it will lead to a civil war. The government should withdraw the contentious bill,” he added.
The Confederation of Hynniewtrep Social Organisation had on Tuesday warned that the action of the BJP would bring back the militant regime in the northeastern states.
When asked if he supports the idea of calling a special session for passing the resolution against the bill, Saleng said there was no need for it because both the ruling and the opposition are united in this issue.