Nongpoh: A rally was organised jointly by four frontal organisations of the state, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP), the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) in Umsning on Wednesday as part of the mass awareness on the negative impacts of CAA and the need to repeal it.
While speaking at the rally, general secretary of Khasi Students’ Union, Donald V Thabah alleged that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 has changed the whole concept of the Citizenship Act 1955, by allowing persecuted Hindu, Christian, Jain, Sikh, Parsis and Buddhist minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan to become citizens of India which pose great threat to the indigenous tribal of Meghalaya. He also enlightened the gathering as to why the NGOs and the tribal people should strongly opposed it because according to this new act, the cut off year for illegal immigrants has been set as 2014 instead of the year 1971 as previously mentioned in the Citizenship Act, 1955. He also stated that the Indo-Nepal treaty signed by India and Nepal during the year 1950 which allows Nepalis to come and reside in India without any restrictions has affected the tribal areas of the state.
KSU which was formed in 1978 after seeing the situation, therefore started the Anti-Foreigners Movement led by the then president, late Bull N Lyngdoh which proved success and the Khasis regain control of their villages.
He also stated it is high time that the same mistake should not be repeated while alleging that the CAA will have more impact than the Indo-Nepal treaty to the tribal populace of the state.
The recent NRC final list which indicates more than 19 lakh of illegal immigrants in Assam is another major concern that the leader raised, as CAA will help them become permanent citizens of the country and Meghalaya which do not have any proper act will be overshadowed by them.
Others who spoke include FKJGP president, Welbirth Rani, RBYF president, Bipul Thangkhiew, HNYF vice-president, KS Rani. They also enlightened the gathering on the urgent need to implement ILP in the state. ‘If the Government of India can implement ILP in Manipur, why not in Meghalaya’ the NGO leaders said while asserting that the demand for implementation of ILP in the state was way back during the 1970’s.
FKJGP president, Wellbirth Rani demanded that all the 60 legislators should attend the Special Assembly Session to adopt a resolution for implementation of ILP failing which the NGOs along with the people will not hesitate to drag them out of their homes, as this is not an issue to be taken lightly. He also urged the people of the state to extend their support to the NGOs in this fight for the betterment of the future generations. He added that even if the legislators pass a resolution to implement ILP, we should not celebrate as yet, as we have to wait for the Centre’s response. We have seen these politicians playing with our sentiments and emotions while referring to the support of Tura MP, Agatha Sangma to the CAB in the parliament, therefore, we should not be fooled by their mere promises. ILP is the need of the hour, Welbirth said.
It was also enthralled by the melodious voice of local singers Na Thiar ki Longshuwa and a local youth of Ri Bhoi sang patriotic songs which moved the crowd.
