NEW DELHI: The Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, on Friday assured the ruling MDA of Meghalaya that their concerns about law and order situation of the hill state and ethnic identity of tribals due to the citizenship bill will be looked into by the Centre.
The minister’s assurance came when Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong accompanied by a delegation comprising of all MDA partners called on Singh to oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB).
The Chief Minister briefed the Union minister that all the six coalition partners – UDP, BJP, HSPDP, PDF, NCP and Independents – were of the view that the bill will disturb the social fabric of Meghalaya and the North East by posing serious law and order problem in the region.
The delegation will meet the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to press for the same demand on Saturday. The delegation also has a host of other programmes.
The chief minister along with his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga also had a detailed discussion with the Union Home Minister. They expressed serious concern and dissatisfaction of the people of North East against the bill.
) The duo told the media that all the chief ministers of North East should come together to express their concerns on the issue and stand in unity before the central leadership for the welfare of the entire region.
“The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill will affect North East to a large extent. The bill is against the spirit of the people of North East as this will have serious repercussions and will create law and order problems in the region,” said the chief minister.
Health Minister A L Hek, who represents BJP in the MDA Government, echoed his state party’s views on the controversial bill. “Everybody in Meghalaya is opposed to the bill and I urge your good office to reconsider the decision and resolve a solution for the people of Meghalaya and the Northeast,” he said.
Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh said, “The bill has hurt the sentiments of the tribal people of Meghalaya and particularly the minority communities and the central leadership should reconsider the bill.” Urban Affairs Minister Hamlet Dohling said, “There is resentment amongst the people of Meghalaya against the bill that has been passed in the Lok Sabha”.
“I urge the centre to reconsider the bill, which will create a lot of problems as it will affect the identity of our people.” NCP MLA Saleng A. Sangma said, “The bill will finish the identity of the people of Meghalaya and will lead to different social problems in the state.”
The meeting was also attended by PWD Minister Comingone Ymbon, PHE Minister Samlin Malngiang, Chairman State Planning Board Lambor Malngiang, Renikton Lyngdoh, S G Mominin and Government Chief Whip Marcuise Marak.
