Arunachal: Consultative Committee completes hearing on CAB
Legislators expressed their apprehension that amendment to the Principal Act will affect the state
Itanagar
The fifth and last meeting of the Consultative Committee on Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) was held under the Chairmanship of Bamang Felix, Chairman Consultative Committee on CAB and Minister Home in the Nokmey Namaty hall of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat on 9th November 2019 with Legislators of the state.
while welcoming the MLAs to the meeting, Felix highlighted the need to seek opinions of the stakeholders including CBOs, Students,NGOs and the representatives of the people before recommending to the State Government. He also appealed the Legislators to give their opinion responsibly in a friendly atmosphere.
Legislators one after the other, expressed their apprehension that amendment to the Principal Act will affect the state very badly in all spheres unless the state is kept out of the purview of the CAB. Another apprehension was that there is no cut off year in the CAB which is likely to affect the demography of the state in later years too.
The members while opposing amendment to the Principal Bill, suggested the Consultative Committee and the state Government to approach the Central Government to strengthen Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 and the Chin Hills Regulation 1896 by converting it into an Act before amending the Citizenship Act 1955 so that the provisions of CAB do not affect the state.
Felix, in his remark after successfully conducting series of meetings with stakeholders thanked and appreciated the Legislators, Party leaders,Students, CBO and NGO representatives for their cooperation to the Committee and expressing their views in a descent and responsible manner. He assured that the views of the cross sections of the society will be sent to the government in a consolidated report.
Commissioner Home and Political Affairs Kaling Tayeng highlighted the provisions of Citizenship Act 1955 and proposed amendments to the Principal Act through power point presentation.
