HEARING OF THE CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT BILL’2016 IN NEW DELHI

Centre to hold the hearing of the much debated citizenship amendment bill’2016 today

The Joint Parliamentary Committee was scheduled to have its second hearing on 12th April, but it was postponed till April 17. The decision to hold the meeting in Delhi met strong opposition in the state from all quarters. The bill seeks to grant citizenship to refugees belonging to religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

As many as 28 groups from the state have received JPC’s invitation for a public hearing. This will be the second hearing of parties from Assam. The All Assam Students Union(AASU), together with 26 other ethnic organisations have given joint memorandum to the JPC.

Peasant leader Akhil Gogoi lodged protest against JPC, as the organization, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti led by him is not invited at the public hearing.

There is apprehension in the state that giving citizenship rights to Bengali Hindus from Bangladesh will adversely affect the culture, language, tradition of Assam. So, the hearing might prove to be a turning point in the socio-cultural scenario of the state.