AIZAWL, Dec 17: A conglomerate
of major civil societies and
student associations of Mizoram
on Saturday submitted a memorandum
to Prime Minister Narendra
Modi bringing to his notice
about foreigners’ influx in the State
and their apprehensions over the
proposed Citizenship (Amendment)
Bill, 2016.
The memorandum stated that
the Bill is a threat to the entire
Northeastern region which is infested
with foreigners from the
erstwhile East Pakistan and, now,
Bangladesh.
“The Bill, if passed, would be
of immense benefit to Chakmas
and Hajongs of Bangladesh, displaced because of the construction
of Kaptai Dam. They have been
refugees for nearly 65 years and
were one of the major problems
in Mizoram and Arunachal
Pradesh,” the memorandum said.
“We humbly request the Government
of India, and Parliamentarians
not to table and pass the Citizenship
(Amendment) Bill, 2016
in the interest of its citizens,” it said.
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The NGOs also urged the
Prime Minister to ensure that the
repatriation of the Bru community
to Mizoram be completed before
March 2018. “All those who
are willing to come back to Mizoram
are welcome with open arms
by the people of Mizoram,” the
memorandum said.
They requested the Prime Minister
to ensure that the rest of
those who opt to stay back is permanently
settled within Tripura
and repatriation processes be discontinued
from then on.
“The government, both at the
Centre and the State, has also taken
numerous steps for the repatriation
process. It is high time
that the matter be concluded,” the
memorandum said.
The NGOs also highlighted the
growing traffic congestion in Aizawl,
and urged the Prime Minister
to take necessary steps to ensure
that the Assam Rifles that occupies
the prime location in the heart
of the city are relocated to
Zokhawsang near Aizawl where
construction of quarters are already
completed. -Assam Tribune
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