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Metsubo Jamir addresses the 59th general conference of the Ongpangkong Mungdang, on Tuesday in Mokokchung.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Jan. 30 (EMN): The minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Metsubo Jamir has on Tuesday asserted that ‘we do not need to go to Delhi to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill because Article 371 (A) protects the rights of the Naga people to reject the Bill, and (there is) ILP (Inner Line Permit) regulation to check influx of illegal immigrants.’
The minister was addressing the 59th general conference of the Ongpangkong Mungdang (Ongpangkong union), at the Mayangnokcha government higher secondary school auditorium, in Mokokchung.
Jamir said there may be many political and legal views on the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Nonetheless, he asserted that Article 371 (A) was a special provision given to the state of the Nagaland by the government of India ‘on account of the sacrifices made by the Naga people.’
The minister said the Article clearly states: ‘Notwithstanding anything in this constitution, no act of Parliament…’ means that Nagas can reject the bill if it is not applicable to the state.
Further, Jamir said that the Naga political settlement was a matter that can bring all the Nagas under one roof. He urged the Ongpangkong conference to ponder on the matter seriously to bring all the Nagas ‘into one family.’
If the Naga political issue is settled amicably, he asserted, it will be a milestone achievement that will determine the future of the Nagas.
More than 500 delegates from 31 units attended the conference.
