ARUNACHAL PRADESH: OPPOSITION PARTIES ATTACK CM FOR HIS ‘NO NEED TO WORRY’ STATEMENT ON CITIZENSHIP BILL

Cong suggests all-party meet, ppa for house session on bill issue

The Opposition parties in the State on Thursday mounted attack on Chief Minister Pema Khandu after he reportedly stated that “Arunachal Pradesh does not need to worry about the issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016”.

“Since Arunachal Pradesh is protected under the BEFR (Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation) of 1873, which does not allow even Indian citizens to enter the state without an Inner Line Permit, Arunachal does not need to worry about the issue,” Khandu had told media persons on the sidelines of an event at Jollang village here on Wednesday.

Describing the CM’s statement as “ridiculous” and “eyewash”, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) said, it’s a ploy “to divert the main issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016”.

Asserting that Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 and Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 are two different entities, the APCC contended that “Khandu has forgotten that he already had weakened BEFR of 1873 by proposing exemption of PAP (Protected Area Permit). He was the person who approached Ministry of Home Affairs for exemption of PAP in border areas of the state for foreign tourists. Accordingly, MHA has shown interest in exemption of PAP”, to which APCC is strongly opposed to “save the sovereignty of the State in particular and country in general. Hence, his statement of saving the state through BEFR of 1873 is doubtful and questionable,” it added.

“Further his tall claim of ‘citizen of India cannot enter Arunachal Pradesh without ILP’ is also unconvincing when Chakma, Hajong and Tibetans being foreigners are enjoying all the liberty in our state without ILP. Till date there is no action from the present government to execute PAP and RAP,” said the APCC.

“His statement is totally ludicrous and definitely a well-planned conspiracy to blindfold the issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 when he knows that the problem of refugee is a burning issue since 70’s.”

While hailing the Meghalaya and Assam Governments for strongly and openly opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, the APCC said, “On the other hand, Pema Khandu government did not dare to insist JPC to visit our state instead an eyewash statement is given which shows the failure of Pema led BJP government.”

Entirely displeased with the CM’s statement, the APCC demanded the government to call for an all-party meeting to discuss the Bill issue.

Reacting to the CM statement that “Arunachal is protected and there is no need to worry about Citizenship Bill”, the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) said, it “reflects his callous attitude towards one of the most controversial bills ever that is based on the religious affiliation of the refugees to determine their citizenship”.

The regional party suggested, the Chief Minister of the State instead should discuss this issue in the Assembly, adopt a strong resolution saying ‘no’ to the Bill. The bill should be elaborately discussed and debated involving all the 60 legislators.

“The Chief Minister of the state must know that the Citizenship Bill is as dangerous as a spark that could burn down the entire North East region if neglected,” remarked the PPA.

The government should also come out with a tough legislation on Chakma-Hajong and Tibetan refugees and illegal migrants with provision for severe penalty for those who harbour refugees and illegal migrants, it added.