SHILLONG/TURA: The Shillong Socio- cultural Assamese Students’ Association opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2016.
In a statement issued on Monday, the students’ body said that the Bill is detrimental to the social fabrics of the indigenous people of Northeastern states and a severe threat to the existence of the people.
The organisation while supporting the bandh called by NESO, urged the government to refrain implementation of CAB to protect the interest of the indigenous people of northeast.
“Northeastern states are not the dustbins to accommodate the illegal migrants. We call upon the people of Meghalaya in particular and North East in general to support and extend full co-operation to the bandh on Tuesday,” the organisation said.
Meanwhile, the A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO), Central Governing Body has vowed to oppose the Bill and termed the move by the Centre to table it as ‘political atrocities’ perpetrated upon the indigenous minorities against their wish and aspirations.
“The so called ‘humanitarian bill’ proposed by the Modi-led NDA government threatens our very survival and existence. We will oppose it till the last ooze of blood in our bodies,” general secretary of the organisation, Lyiend Roshan Marak said.
The organisation, while expressing support to the agitation being called by the NESO all across the North East on Tuesday, has also urged all its regional branches to take necessary steps to oppose the bill so that it makes an impact and compels the Central government to revoke the ‘communal bill’ once and for all.
Meanwhile, informing that some institutions in Garo Hills are blatantly disregarding the local holiday for the death anniversary of Garo freedom fighter Togan Nengminja on December 12 and opening up for business as usual, the organisation, while condemning the act, urged the owners to be more sensitive and respect the ultimate sacrifice.
“We request all heads of institutions and establishments to respect our freedom fighter or else we will not remain mute spectators and take action. We expect everyone to be cooperative and observe December 12 as local holiday,” Marak added.
