Kolkata, Nov 11: Minister of State For External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on Friday while lauding India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat approach, said that the implementation of the Citizen Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 in the nation especially northeast should not be a problem for the Centre.
He stressed that the identity of the people should be addressed on the apt forum.
Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “The inner line permit and CAA should not be a problem in the nation, especially in northeast India and West Bengal. This is the era of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). We are trying to get to the USD 5 trillion economy. We also depend on the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local. This is the unique character and approach based on Mahatma Gandhi’s rural economy and self-reliance. The miniature identity should be addressed on the proper forum and so we should not be stuck to that.”
When asked if the implementation of CAA in the northeast and West Bengal would be a challenge for the Centre, the Minister said that the issues pertaining to it should be regulated through the rules and regulations.
“There are certain issues in Northeast India and West Bengal. That has to be regulated through the rules and regulations,” he said.
Seeking support for the CAA in West Bengal as against the stand of the state government on the issue, Singh said that the opposition by the Mamata government to the implementation of the legislation in the state is a “political issue”.
“These are the political issues. If we have the totality of national feelings, they should support the government of India,” he said.
The Minister, responding to a question on the smuggling incidents reported on the border areas along Bangladesh, said that India wants to have good relations with the neighbours.
“We want to have good relations with our neighbours. The principle of our foreign policy is first to the neighbourhood. We helped the neighbouring countries a lot during the COVID times. Under the leadership of PM Modi, we are trying to reconnect the ancient roots with modern technology and modern trade. We are following the United Nations principles. We are sticking to that,” he said. (ANI)
