ITANAGAR, Oct 15 - The Pema Khandu Government today constituted a consultative committee to safeguard the rights of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh following the Central Government�s proposal to enact the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB).
�Pursuant to a direction received vide U.O. No. CM(ARUN)-27/2019-20 dated 14.10.2019, a Consultative Committee is constituted for examining issues related to the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) and protection of rights of the APSTs (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes),� stated a government release here this evening.
The nine-member consultative committee, which is to be headed by State Home Minister Bamang Felix as the chairman, will conduct meetings with all stakeholders including community-based organisations, student organisations, political parties and other organisations/individuals, etc.
�It will give recommendations to the Government on the issue in respect of the safeguards enshrined in the Constitution of India, BEFR (Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873) and Chin Hill Regulations (Act of 1896) and other Acts and Rules in place protecting the interests of indigenous people of the state of Arunachal Pradesh,� the release added.
The recommendations highlighting the concerns of the people regarding the impending CAB would be submitted to the State Government, which will be further presented to the ministry concerned so as to ensure that adequate provisions are incorporated into the aforesaid Bill safeguarding the interests of the people of the State.
The Felix-led committee will comprise legislators Ninong Ering, Tapuk Taku, Kardo Nyigyor, Kento Jini, Hayeng Mangfi, Senior Additional Advocate General Kardak Ete, Principal Secretary (Home/Political) Kaling Tayeng and Secretary (GA/DA) Sadhna Deori.
In the light of possibility of the CAB being tabled in the Parliament during the ensuing Winter Session, there is an apprehension among the indigenous people of the State regarding protection of the indigenous rights of the APSTs in the Bill.
During a recent meeting of the NEDA at Guwahati, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that the concerns of the people of the North Eastern States would be incorporated into the CAB. The Union minister sought suggestions in this regard.
Earlier, Chief Minister Khandu had announced that his Government would form a consultative committee to safeguard the rights and interests of the indigenous people of the State during a public rally at Yingkiong in Upper Siang district.
