GUWAHATI, Dec 28 - Leading intellectuals of the State today vehemently opposed the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill terming it �anti-Assam� and a threat to the identity of the indigenous people of the State, which would go on to overwrite the provisions of the Assam Accord.
Among those who took part in the citizens� convention at the Lakhidhar Baruah Sadan here, were noted scholar Dr Hiren Gohain, litterateur Hare Krishna Deka, noted writer Indibor Dewri, KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi and journalist Manjit Mahanta.
The convention in its resolution asked the political parties to clear their stand vis-�-vis the Bill. It asked the Asom Gana Parishad, one of the allies of the BJP-led government in the State, to snap its ties with the BJP if the Bill is not withdrawn.
Speakers at the convention were unanimous on the need to create a greater public opinion against the proposed Act, which they alleged is a conspiracy on the part of the ruling BJP government to grant citizenship on religious lines.
�We appeal to all the groups, organisations and citizens, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, to stand united against the move to grant citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis,� the convention stated.
The convention also decided to move the President of India, the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister demanding withdrawal of the proposed Bill. A team will soon leave for New Delhi to take up the issue at the highest level.
