Citizenship (Amendment) Bill Could Change Demography of Meghalaya, Warns CM Conrad Sangma

Guwahati, September 9, 2019:

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma's address during the 4th Convention of the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) NEDA touched on some key issues affecting the Northeast region, including the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Addressing the gathering, Sangma said that his National People's Party (NPP) is a part of NEDA in some places, while they are not allied in some others. He demanded that his party be given respect even in the states where the NPP is not allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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In regards to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, he said that the Northeast will be worst affected. "I fear that some people may migrate to Meghalaya once the Bill is enacted", he said, adding that "thoughts regarding the CAB need to be cleared".

The Meghalaya Chief Minister said that he is further worried as it may affect the Inner Line Permit (ILP) or other laws in the Northeastern region.

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Sangma further added that the border disputes in the Northeast region need to be resolved. "Economic development issues and export-related issues also need to be resolved", he added.

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Conrad said that the people of the Northeast Indian States are emotional. "Work may be done or not, but respect is important. We need respect, and the NEDA is giving respect to the people of the Northeast", he said.

Sangma also lamented that in the past, the Northeast was always being ignored, however, the trends are changing now.

DoNer Minister Jitendra Singh has also promised that in the future, the Northeast will be the most visible part of the country.

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