MDA to meet PM over CAB

SHILLONG, JAN 16: The delegation of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government led by the chief minister Conrad K Sangma will leave for New Delhi on Thursday to air its strong opposition against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016.

“We are leaving tomorrow and we are going to meet the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to lodge our unhappiness with the intention of the Central government for passage of the CAB,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters here on Wednesday.

He said the delegation to be led by the chief minister will comprise all the members of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.

Earlier last year, the state government had passed a Cabinet resolution to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

However, the Centre had gone ahead and passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 in the Lok Sabha despite widespread protests in the North Eastern region including Meghalaya.

On the growing demand for the MDA government to come up with an official resolution in the Assembly with regards to the matter, the deputy chief minister on Tuesday had however stated that the question of passing a resolution does not arise.

“It (official resolution) does not carry any weight as opposition has already been lodged by government as well as the opposition,” he said.

He also said that the state government had already submitted its letter of opposition against the Bill to the Centre through the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), who visited the state last year.

To another query, the deputy chief minister said unlike the opposition Congress which is divided on the issue, the ruling National People’s Party has maintained a firm stand to oppose the Bill.

“I request the Congress to please be united on this issue,” he said while pointing out that the opposition party in Assam was in favour of the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

By Our Reporter