GUWAHATI: Making the BJP-led NDA government’s intention of enacting the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured the people of Assam and the North East that it will in no way harm their interests.
He accused opposition political parties, especially the Congress, of fuelling protest against the bill through a misinformation campaign.
The prime minister’s visit to the region drew sharp protests from groups opposing the CAB in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Addressing a massive rally at Changsari near here, Prime Minister Modi said, “There is a difference between infiltration by those who want to have a stranglehold over the country and migration of those who had to flee to India to escape religious persecution in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.”
“The citizenship bill is not linked only to Assam and the rest of North East, but to all those who have been residing all over the country after having had to flee their countries because of persecution. All these people were part of India in 1947 and before partition. They have come to our country and embraced the idea and ethos of Mother India,” he said while assuring that no harm will be allowed to be caused to Assam and the rest of the North East because of the citizenship bill.
“Citizenship is granted to someone after a thorough examination process and with the consent of the respective state governments,” he said while stating that the BJP-led NDA government was fully committed to protect the identity and rights of indigenous people of North East.
Protest against CAB
Widespread protest was witnessed in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur during the day against the CAB.
