Citizenship Bill not applicable to Nagaland–Governor

Appeals New Delhi to consult NE states to ensure rights of indigenous people are protected  

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 26 (EMN): With the Secretariat Plaza wearing a deserted look—following Naga civil organisations’ decision to boycott the Republic Day celebration as a sign of resentment to the passing of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill— Governor PB Acharya on Saturday sought to relay the message that the controversial bill is not applicable to the state of Nagaland.    

In his customary Republic Day address, the governor said: “We are concerned with the issues of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which was recently passed by the Lok Sabha. We are of the unequivocal view that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 is not applicable to Nagaland and we stand protected under the provisions of Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India and the Inner Line Permit mechanism as per Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873 which was re-affirmed as Clause 16 of the 16 Point Agreement.”

He also made an upfront appeal to the government of India to ensure that the rights of the indigenous people are safeguarded.

“We further appeal to the government of India to have wider consultations with all north eastern states to ensure that the rights of the indigenous people are fully protected. We have also decided to refer the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to the Standing Committee on Article 371 (A) under the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to examine the issues in its entirety,” Acharya said.

Pointing out the significance of Article 371 (A), he said that the special provisions were incorporated in the Constitution of India, to protect and safeguard the history and unique culture, and customary practices of the Nagas. “These special provisions not only safeguard the rights of the people of Nagaland but also give an opportunity for the people to grow and develop according to their own genius,” the governor said.

He iterated the state government’s commitment to facilitate an early solution to the Naga political issue. “The top priority of my government has been the final settlement of the Naga political issue. We have committed to play the role of an active facilitator in the ongoing political negotiations between the government of India and the Naga political groups,” Acharya shared.

He felt that it is the “most opportune time for the Naga political groups to resolve the seven decades old Naga political issue once and for all,” along with the “concerted efforts” of various organisations, hohos, and churches.

Citizens first

Asserting that the government is committed to ensure good governance to the people, he said: “The government is committed to keep citizens as the prime focus.” Some of the works done to ensure transparency between the government and the citizens include updated websites of the government departments; CM Dashboard that presents real-time status of all major schemes and programmes; banning on single-use plastic in the state, he said.

Peaceful state

Acharya in his address lauded the police and administration for taking “remarkable steps in strengthening law enforcement mechanism and security of the citizens” of the state.

Post-matric scholarship

The governor said that education and welfare of the students is “one of the most important priorities of my government.” Further, he said that the ministry of Tribal Affairs has already released an amount of INR 47.16 crore for payment of post-matric scholarship to scheduled tribe students of the state.

SSA and RMSA teachers

In what could come as a relief to the struggling SSA and RMSA teachers, Acharya said: “For the welfare of the SSA and RMSA teachers, scale pay has been approved even though funding for the teachers has been restricted to fixed amounts by the government of India.”

Farmers’ welfare reassured  

Keeping in mind that 70% of the state’s population depend on agriculture for survival, Acharya in his address assured support to the farmers. “We (government) are committed to the welfare of farmers and promotion of horticulture and allied agriculture activities for doubling the income of farmers,” he asserted. Further, he ensured “better returns” and strengthening of economy to the farmers through organic farming.

Others

The governor also highlighted the various achievements and works done so far by the state government in various fields, including sports; health sector; entrepreneurship; economic development; tourism; science and technology; transportation; and power sector.

He rued at the “complacent” attitude of the people and the infrastructural facilities in the state. The governor encouraged creation of employment opportunities for the people to enable them to be economically self-reliant. “We need to have a sense of ownership and responsibility. It is up to each and every one of us to come together and work collectively towards achieving this goal,” he added.

Calling the attention of educated youth, the governor urged them “to strengthen village economy and contribute to make Nagaland a vibrant economically self-sufficient, prosperous and golden Nagaland.”

Further, he called upon the people of Nagaland to join hands with the government for all-round development. “Let us put our hearts and our heads together so that we can be torchbearers of unity, peace, and reconciliation to the rest of the country and the world,” he concluded.

Earlier, the governor hoisted the national flag. Awards were given to several achievers for their outstanding contribution in the respective field. Altogether, four cultural troupes and 12 contingents participated in the Republic Day parade. The formal programme was followed by the inauguration of the exhibition stalls by the governor along with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

The contingents taking part in the parade were the 3rd Assam Rifle, DEF Kohima, 4th NAP Thizama, 10th IR Zhadima, 15th IR Mahila, 3rd IR Arunachal Pradesh, Home Guards, Village Guards, Tourist Police (Mahila), Ex-serviceman, Scouts and Guides, and Regimental school 4th NAP Thizama. Meanwhile, the three bands who performed at the event were PTS Brass Band, 9th AR Pipe Band, and 15th IR Mahila Pipe Band. Cultural performances were presented by the Angami cultural troupe, Rusoma; Rengma cultural troupe, Pfushong Thu Zi; Lotha Yachumaro cultural group; and the Konyak cultural society.