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Protesters displaying anti-Citizenship Bill banners during a peaceful rally in Kohima on Friday.[/caption]
Say the Bill poses the greatest threat to minority and indigenous communities in India since the country’s independence
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 8 (EMN): Under the aegis of the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF), a peaceful rally was held on Friday in Kohima to protest the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, and demand a solution to the Indo-Naga political talks before the Lok Sabha elections.
A memorandum addressed to the president of India was also submitted—with the message that the Bill is “posing the greatest threat to us, the minorities, for the first time in the history of India in its 72 years of existence as a sovereign nation.”
It stated that the Bill is subjectively aimed at giving rights and protection to foreigners in India at the cost of its indigenous citizens who are now exposed to threats to their very existence.
Further, it urged the president of India not to give assent to the controversial Bill even when both Houses of the Parliament pass it or when the central government “resorts to make it a law through ordinance.”
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NMA seeks governor’s intervention
The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) submitted a separate memorandum to the governor of Nagaland seeking his intervention on the Bill; identity of Naga women; and, quite curiously, the Nagaland State Women Commission.
“The Bill will open the floodgates of more illegal immigrants into the state, this time under the guise of religion. The earlier stand of the state government has brought much disappointment as it is obvious, as the peoples' elected government, they are not ready to protect the identity and rights of the indigenous people of the state,” it read.
Also referring to the chief minister’s statement on Jan. 1 at Tuensang, the NMA stated: “In a democratic society, any proposed law which affects the life and welfare of Naga women must also take into account the voices of women themselves, who are almost half of the state's population.
“The NMA hopes the state government will reconsider its stance and ensure that the rights and identity of the Nagas and our children are duly protected from such laws which will negate our very existence in the years ahead.”
Interestingly, it also raised concern over the tenure of the State Women Commission, which, according to the group, is over. “We reiterate that there must be expansion of the commission with inclusion of more women members from various backgrounds who are sensitive to women’s rights and issues. We hope the next women commission will consist of committed women activists who will work for the protection and promotion of women’s rights.”
Despite the repeated reminders, the state government is yet to submit the final report on ILP in Nagaland, which was due on Feb. 6, according to Theja Therie, the secretary of Nagaland Tribes Council.
He said that the state government was “still sleeping over” the demand to bring Dimapur under the purview of ILP regulations.
Referring to the Citizenship Bill, Therie said: “We are on behalf of the Naga people, we are raising our voice. We will start from here; we will not end till we achieve our goals.”
He also expressed dismay at the “less physical support” from the people and queried: “How much do we write? Should we sit inside our bedroom, in our sitting room and stop writing all these? Can we not come forward and speak out our mind? What has happened to the rally today?”
“Our neighbours (neighbouring states) are crying, the voices are loud and clear, people are in the streets, people are protesting,” he added.
Saying that the Nagas cannot raise the voice because of divisions and distrust among the people, he remarked: “If I speak somebody will think that I am speaking for that group, somebody else will speak, and I will think that he is speaking for that group. How much do we lobby against each other, enough is enough.”
After all the 21-year-long negotiations about the political settlement of the Nagas, “our desire to put all the groups together, and different groups to come together and to be on a round table for negotiations with government of India as one entity failed, because the public could not speak out, because the groups, they have their own vented interests,” Therie rued.
He urged the all Naga political parties to “come together under one working committee and talk to the government of India as one entity.”
“Fortunately, we have eight NNPGs talking with the government of India. Starting from the interlocutor, negotiators, we have reached a level of understanding where we can sign agreement anytime,” he said.
He iterated that the negotiations started without compromising the two basic principle demands—to resolve the arm conflict, and to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue.
“The groups, negotiating parties have understood the GoI position very, very clearly. The government of India also understood the position of the Nagas very, very clearly, if that is the case why not they walk the talk,” Therie queried.
When the Naga people had cried out and said no Indian election in Naga soil unless amicable settlement come, he reminded, the government of India retorted ‘let there be election and we will work out solution.’
“What is the promise, where is the promise? Another Lok Sabha election is coming. Are we not prepared to ask these questions?” Therie challenged the people. He went on to say, “If the government of India cannot stand by its commitment, don’t give us a false commitment, enough of taking us for a ride.”
The president of NGBF, L Shalem Konyak also spoke during the function. Referring to the Citizenship Bill, he said: “We must shed tears for the CAB” for the people of Nagaland do not require the bill in the state. If at all the CAB is passed “we will become the servants to the outsiders,” he added and urged the protesters to voice against the Bill.
Further, he asked the government of India to “expedite the Naga political solution, before election.” “We will stand and will continue to do so unless solution is granted,” he added.
