Citizenship Bill: Nagaland cabinet asserts protection under Art. 371 (A)

PDA government stresses Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not applicable to the state of Nagaland  

Dimapur, Jan. 20 (EMN): The Nagaland cabinet has announced that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 is not applicable to the state of Nagaland; and that Nagas stand protected under the provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, affirmed under Clause 16 of the 16-Point Agreement.

According a press release from the chief minister’s office on Sunday, the state’s cabinet arrived at this affirmation during a meeting held on Jan. 18. “The cabinet decided to adopt a resolution re-affirming all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

“The cabinet also decided to refer the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to the standing committee on Article 371 (A) under Nagaland Legislative Assembly to examine the issue in its entirety. The cabinet also decided to further appeal to the government of India to have wider consultations with all Northeastern states to ensure that the rights of indigenous people are fully protected,” the statement read.

Following the cabinet decision, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has also written a letter to the Union Home Minister conveying the concern and apprehension of the people of Nagaland with regard to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, it was informed.

“It has been clearly mentioned that the Bill, even if enacted, will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Constitutional ecosystem  contained in Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India that guarantees the Nagas their way of life un-interfered  by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides.

“This is necessary to ensure that the historic and unique cultural traditions and customary practices of Nagas are protected and safeguarded for which special constitutional provisions under Article 371(A) have also been incorporated in the Constitution of India,” the statement read

In a separate statement, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) informed that the state cabinet has taken the decision to call for a consultative meeting of all sections including tribal hohos, civil societies, NGOs, political parties, prominent citizens and all stakeholders to collect the views, opinions and suggestions of all sections of the Naga society.

“The consensus arrived at this meeting will naturally become the stand of the Nagaland government which we will present before the government of India. The state cabinet has also referred the matter to the standing committee on Article 371 (A) under Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which includes members representing all political parties to study the issue and submit its report to the House so that collectively we can undertake measures, which can further protect and safeguard our people.

“So far as the report of the ILP committee, which has been constituted to look into the BEFRF/ILP, is concerned, the committee should submit its final report and recommendations only after it gathers opinions and suggestions from all sections in a transparent and democratic manner. Therefore, we appeal to all concerned to come forward and propose its recommendations by way of written submissions and also participation in the consultative meet,” the statement read.

Admitting the matter was of ‘utmost importance with the potential to cause far-sreaching consequences, the party stated “we need to address the issue in a patient and sensible manner. Therefore, as a government that represents the will of the people, we assure all sections that the recommendations of the ILP committee and the stand of the state government will well and truly reflect the will and desire of the people.

“Naga society is a very open and democratic society therefore in keeping with this tradition of ours, let us all come forward and participate in a positive and democratic manner, while avoiding all forms of negativity, with the sole intension of protecting and safeguarding the rights of our people for now and for generations to come,” the party appealed.