NCST not in favour of move to implement CAB

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 15, 2019

SHILLONG:  The Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Nand Kumar Sai said granting citizenship status to outsiders will harm the indigenous tribal population of the region.

““The Commission will play a role on the issue of citizenship, and will not support outsiders grabbing the rights of indigenous people,” Sai told reporters after meeting the chief minister Conrad K Sangma at the main secretariat here on Wednesday.

In its manifesto, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had expressed that it is determine to implement the Citizenship Amendment Bill if voted back to power after the Lok Sabha polls, the results of which will be declared on May 23.

The Bill has been strongly opposed by the different political parties and the pressure groups of the North East region including Meghalaya, as it seeks to provide citizenship to immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Earlier, Sai was felicitated with a shawl and bouquet by the chief minister.

During the meeting, the delegation discussed with the chief minister issues related to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.

Sai called upon the state government to preserve the indigenous tribal heritage of Meghalaya, assured the commission’s support.

He also met Governor Tathagata Roy. During the three-day visit, the delegation also held review meetings with the chief secretary, state government and autonomous district council officials.

The NCST chairman has also asked the state government to give in writing and send it to NCST about the inclusion of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo languages in the Eight Schedule to the Constitution of India.

Asking state government to preserve the indigenous tribal heritage of Meghalaya, the Commission assured to extend all help to the state government in its endeavour.