More than 24 orgs. protest Citizenship Amendment Bill

Our Correspondent Diphu, May 16 (EMN): The 24+ organisations protested against the Citizenship Amendment Bill of 2016  in Diphu town on May 16 Wednesday with slogans like ‘Go back Bangladeshis’, ‘We oppose Citizenship Amendment Bill; and ‘Long live Karbi Anglong.’ The procession was carried under the Hills Tribal League (HTL), members and leaders of more than 24  organisations, and other social organisations. At Semson Sing Ingti Memorial Park, secretary of North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF) U Jenison addressing the protestors said, “The NEDF is here to show solidarity to the movement organisations opposing the bill. Under this bill there is nothing the Government can give protection to indigenous people of Northeast rather to give protection to outsiders. It will be like the AFSPA enforced in Northeast to suppress the people of this region.” Jenison said, “We need to understand the government’s strategy to absorb the outside people and dump it in our land (Northeast).” “If the government is so willing take them (outsiders) as citizenship then why not in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and elsewhere, but in Northeast,” Jenison questioned.” “We need to think for our future generation and it is our time for use to fight back together against the anti-tribal policies of the government,” Jenison reiterated. Adviser to 24 + organizations JI Kathar said that there are various plans and policies of the government to do away with the indigenous people. The government has proposed for a wildlife sanctuary in Singhason hills, but in place of wildlife will be filled with ‘illegal Bangladeshis.’ The government is trying to dilute the 6th Schedule powers being enjoyed by indigenous people of Karbi Anglong. Kathar also said, “We have elected the BJP to power thinking it will do good to us, but instead the BJP government is telling us to cut our throat.” Joint Action Committee for Autonomous State (JACAS) Chairman Khorsing Teron urged the members of the organizations that the movement should not end here, but to carry on until it is fulfilled.