Centre to consult with NE-based parties: CAB

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 3, 2019

SHILLONG: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has assured that the Centre will consult with the different political parties and civil societies before going ahead with the Citizenship Amendment Bill at the Rajya Sabha.

Singh made the assurance before the delegation of the North East-based political parties led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma who met him in New Delhi on Sunday.

After the meeting, Sangma said that the response of the union home minister was very positive.

“He (Singh) told us that he will be consulting the different political parties, leaders and chief ministers (of the North East region. It is a positive signal as I think whatever decision is made on how to move forward will only be after detail consultation with everyone,” he said.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister said the union home minister during the meeting had also assured that he would take the sentiments of the people of the North East in mind.

“Therefore, we were very happy with the positive response from the union home minister and we will wait to see further action of the government… We are hopeful that our efforts we are making will bear fruits and will try our best to ensure the government does not go ahead with this bill and our work and opposition will continue,” he added.

Sangma informed that the delegation also met leaders of different political parties across the country and said they have also expressed their concern and assured the current Bill in its present format would not be supported by them.

He said that the delegation would continue to reach out to other political parties and seek their support to ensure that in case the citizenship bill is brought for voting (in the Rajya Sabha) that they should all unanimously vote against this bill.

“I hope the government will take necessary action and I am hopeful that this Bill will not be tabled in the Rajya Sabha,” the Chief Minister stated.