Beginning to Stand for Our Rights

The land mark decision to out rightly reject the modified Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2016 in the consultative meeting between State Government and the Civil societies, NGOs’, Hohos’ and Students bodies is the beginning to stand for our rights. Secondly, to have institution of a high power committee on BEFR/ILP in the State is the eye opener to check the illegal immigrants which we all have to be appreciated. Thirdly, we should also acknowledge the wisdom of our law makers of the State has a first step that the cabinet has decided to reject the modified Citizenship Re-Amendment Bill (CAB) in this regard, the Government should call an emergency Assembly/ Special Session and their resolution should be immediately communicated to the Government of India before the bill is pass by the Rajya Sabha. At this transitional period we should not point finger to each other but need to take joint responsibilities, and do it away by both the State as well as by its citizens for the welfare of the state with the following steps. 1. The State Government should act urgently as per their commitment to the people of the State in regard to the (CAB). 2. Even though the Art.371 (A) is not related to the present amendment bill(CAB) the Nagaland State Government and its citizen is in need to be more aware of the safeguard provided to the state by the Art. 371 (A) in Indian Constitution. I feel its time that the State Government should come out with complete print in regards to Art.371 (A) with its explanation and implications with the help of parent Law department with co-ordination of learned retired Judge, expert judges and law fraternity of the State , and can be translated even to the extend for all the tribal languages. 3. Referring to the resolution adopted in the consultative meeting on 31st Jan. 2019, whereby it says, “Any person who acquires Indian Citizenship through CAB will be or ineligible for acquiring property or settling down in Nagaland as any other non-Naga including Indian citizen are presently”, this should not only to be a resolution but should enact in both the Nagaland land acquisition and property act also in Nagaland village council Act. 4. The effective measures of the BEFR /ILP we should also come out with the following steps : (a) bringing non-locals labours by our own Naga leaders for their business and other establishment, without verifying proper documents and getting their temporary ILPs should be re-examined. (b) Adoption of non-locals and given their rights of citizenship should be immediately stop. (c) While renting out the commercial buildings and residential buildings, if the house and the landowners can do it rationally. Finally, by doing so we should not forget that India is a democratic country guided by its fundamental rights for the safeguard of every Indian citizen. Kuknalim!

S Supongmeren Jamir