DIMAPUR, June 6 - The Nagaland Cabinet has decided to oppose any amendment to the Citizenship Act of 1955 if the proposed amendment goes against the interests of the Nagas. It will also take up any such issues with the Government of India, an official release released today stated.
The Cabinet deliberated on the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill of the Centre at a meeting held in Kohima on Tuesday, while pointing out that Nagaland is protected under Article 371(A) of the Constitution and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations.
The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, is an ally of the BJP in the ruling People�s Democratic Alliance Government in the State. The proposed amendment to the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to people belonging to minority communities including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan has sparked off widespread protests in Assam.
The Nagaland Tribes Council and the Nagaland unit of the JD(U) have also voiced their opposition to the Bill and extended their support to the indigenous peoples of Assam and other north-eastern States.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Cabinet also discussed its decision (dated April 16, 2018) on the constitution of the Nagaland Investment and Development Authority (NIDA) and approved of the change of its name to the Investment and Development Authority Nagaland (IDAN).
It decided to constitute a committee to study the issues relating to royalty collection on minor minerals between the Forest department and the Geology and Mining department and the amendment thereof.
The Nagaland Advocate General apprised the Cabinet of various matters of importance pending before the Supreme Court and the High Court. It was decided to constitute a ministerial committee to examine the women�s reservation issue and hold discussions with the tribal hohos (organisations) and all other stakeholders.
As a follow-up to the meeting of the Political Affairs Committee with tribal hohos in Kohima on May 11, the Cabinet Secretary has been directed to write to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for revival and reconstitution of the Joint Legislators� Forum in order to strengthen the efforts being made towards the peace process. The Cabinet also decided to revoke the renaming of the Indira Gandhi Stadium to Dr T Ao Stadium.
