No intention of removing Article 371 (A) — Amit Shah

Eastern Mirror Desk

Dimapur, Aug. 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday assured states designated with special powers under the Article 371 of the Constitution that the Modi government had no intention to remove the provision.

According to reports on the website of various leading national newspapers, most of the states accorded with special provisions under Article 371 are in the Northeast; and the special status aims to preserve their tribal culture. It also has special provisions for Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa.

Replying to the debate on Article 370 in Lok Sabha, Amit Shah said that he would like to assure north-eastern states that the Modi government had no intention to remove Article 371.

His statement came in response to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s argument in the House on the matter. During his reply in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day, Tharoor had said that if the government can use the president’s rule and a majority in parliament to supersede a Constitutional provision, then what is there to assure residents of north-eastern states that the government will not use same tactics to remove Article 371.

Article 371 (A) is a solemn commitment —  Ravi

Governor RN Ravi issued a statement seeking to allay the apprehension of those who had feared that the Centre could copy-paste the Kashmir formula upon the state of Nagaland.

“I would like to categorically assure you all that you do not have to worry at all. Article 371(A) is a solemn commitment to the people of Nagaland. It is a sacred commitment. We are earnestly working to happily conclude the ongoing political process, which is at a very advanced stage,” read a statement from the governor on Tuesday.

Ravi’s words taken as assurance from Centre — Rio 

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has welcomed Ravi’s assertion that Article 371 (A) is a ‘sacred commitment.’

A statement from the chief minister’s office on Tuesday stated that the government of Nagaland takes the governor’s words as assurance from the government of India. “The government finds it encouraging that the talks are at an advanced stage and there is positive hope that the political negotiations will reach its logical conclusion through an honourable and acceptable solution.

“The state government assures its fullest cooperation in its role as active facilitator and will leave no stone unturned to work towards creation of a congenial atmosphere in order to facilitate the political solution.

“The state government assures every citizen that it will stand up for the rights and the protection of our people under all circumstances. The state government also appeal to all sections of the people to unite as one Naga voice under a spirit of unity and oneness, for it is only through unity that we can collectively face the challenges that lie ahead and together emerge successful,” it stated.