GUWAHATI, Sep 9: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today hinted plans are afoot to bringing in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill but reiterated that rights of indigenous people of the Northeast will be protected. Addressing the 4th conclave of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) in Guwahati, the Union Home Minister reiterated that the Centre will not touch Article 371 and that there is absolutely no link between Article 370 and 371.
“There are apprehensions over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. I want to assure you that despite the government being positive about the legislation, rights of indigenous communities will be protected and safeguarded,” Shah said, and added: “We have already fixed Dec 31, 2014, as the cut off date and will not grant citizenship to those entering after the cut-off date”.
“There is absolutely no link between Article 370 and 371. I want to assure you that the Centre will not touch Article 371,” he further said.
On the NRC update process and illegal influx, the Union Home Minister said illegal migrants whose names do not enter the NRC after the completion of the process will not be allowed to stay in Assam nor will they be allowed to sneak into other states of the region.
“We will not allow a single infiltrator to stay in Assam. Steps will also be taken to deport them and will not allow them to sneak to the other northeastern States,” Shah said.
Expressing satisfaction at making the Northeast “Congress Mukt”, Shah accused the Congress party of being corrupt and blocking development. He also said that the NDA government plans to make the Northeast a major business hub and that people will witness a transformation in 10 years.
He also laid stress on further promoting tourism and making the region a tourist destination.
Union DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh, NEDA convener and Assam Finance, Health & PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Ministers of the Northeastern States, leaders of other constituent parties, senior BJP leaders attended the conclave held at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra auditorium in Guwahati.
