SHILLONG: The Central Executive Committee of the Meghalaya People’s Labour Union met on December 7 chaired by the President Erwin K Syiem Sutnga, Advocate.
The CEC endorsed and supported the resolution against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) moved by the state government and stakeholders consisting of political parties and civil society organisations which was also signed by the president MPLU on November 30 and submitted to Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
It was also decided to support the strike called by NESO on December 10.
Ordinance
The MPLU also asked the Governor to give assent to the ordinance on the MRSS Act so that the state government can work together with the autonomous district councils to check influx.
This is part of the exceptions in Article 19(5) and the provisions of Article 29 of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
The MPLU wanted the government to follow up amendment to the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India as in the wake of the move to pass the CAB, the Sixth Schedule as the protector of tribal rights has become very important. The Sixth Schedule should not be allowed to be diluted in any way.
According to MPLU, the issue of migration had always negatively impacted tribal and indigenous people all over the world. The International Labour Organisation of the United Nations had passed resolutions under Convention 169 which seeks right to self determination for indigenous people of the world.
Convention 169 has not been ratified by the Centre but the National Commission on Scheduled Tribes constituted under the Constitution of India has recommended the incorporation of a Charter of Tribal Rights under the Constitution or Sixth Schedule which is based on Convention 169.
“In the current situation of imminent passing of the CAB, this is very much the need of the hour. Maybe we also need to seriously demand the implementation of dual citizenship in India”, the MPLU said.
