Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on December 6 said that the indigenous people of Northeastern region have nothing to fear from the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 as their basic concerns has been addressed by the central government.
Rijiju’s comments came in the wake of the opposition against the bill and especially at a time when Meghalaya government decided to oppose the contentious Bill.
“The home minister (Amit Shah) himself has heard the views of various groups of the northeastern region and the basic concerns of the indigenous people of the region are being addressed and being considered,” the BJP leader told reporters.
“When the Bill finally comes for discussions in the parliament it will become very clear that the indigenous people of Northeast are well protected and are well given all kind of support by the government of India. Therefore, there is nothing to worry for the indigenous people of the northeastern region,” Rijiju said.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, said that he does not see the CAB will be a problematic area for the state since it is protected under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 and the Chin Hill Regulation.
Moreover, he said that the Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) has assured that Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast will be kept in mind before drafting the bill.
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, said that the CAB is not some major development or change but it is meant to protect the people of the country.
“It is the duty of the state and nation to protect the well-being of every citizen,” Deb said.
