ITANAGAR, Nov 20 - The Consultative Committee on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, constituted by the Arunachal Pradesh Government and headed by State Home Minister Bamang Felix, today came up with a two-point provision, sought to be included in the citizenship Bill.
The recommendations of the Committee read: �Unequivocally oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 (Bill No. 172 of 2016) subsequently marked as Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 (Bill No. 172-C of 2016). For the State of Arunachal Pradesh, all provisions of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 (Regulation 5 of 1873) and all provisions of section 22, 23, 38 and 40 of the Chin Hills Regulations 1896 (Regulation No. 5 of 1896) shall be deemed to have been enacted under this Act and shall have effect accordingly, and that the provisions of this act shall not be applicable to any person who has been residing in or has entered or may enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh in violation of the BEFR 1873 on the aforesaid or the aforesaid provisions of CHR 1896 or the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1961 (Act No. 23 of 1961) as amended from time to time.�
Ahead of sending its recommendations on the contentious issue of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to the Union Home Ministry, the consultative committee held its final meeting with representatives of all political parties, community-based organisations, student and youth bodies here today.
The committee had on Monday submitted its report to the State Government after holding a series of meetings with various stakeholders seeking their opinions and feedback on the proposed Bill.
Felix stated that Chief Minister Pema Khandu during the Cabinet meeting on Monday thoroughly discussed the recommendations of the consultative committee, which has taken into consideration the suggestions of all stakeholders, prioritising their sentiments and safeguarding the rights of the indigenous people.
In today�s meeting, the Home Minister reiterated that the State Government led by Chief Minister Khandu would never go against the will of the indigenous people of the State.
Meanwhile, the NESO representative stated that the student organisation would continue its opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill despite the provisions sought to be incorporated into the Bill.
Arunachal Indigenous Tribes� Forum (AITF) president Bengia Tolum stressed that the National Register of Citizens of India should be incorporated to identify the actual indigenous population of the State.
Before summing up the proceedings, the Home Minister gave the assurance that the rights of the indigenous people would never be compromised with.
