Stand united against citizen bill in Rajya Sabha: Meghalaya CM

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma (centre) with members of KMSS in New Delhi on Tuesday. UB Photos

TT, Shillong: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday reiterated his appeal to all political parties to oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, in the Rajya Sabha, as it was an issue concerning not only the Northeast but the nation as a whole.

Conrad has been camping in New Delhi since Sunday to hold meetings with different political parties, which have representatives in the Rajya Sabha, to appeal to them to oppose the bill once it is tabled in the Upper House.

Like Conrad, leaders of the North East Students’ Organisation (Neso), an umbrella body of the major students’ groups of the region, have been in the national capital to meet political leaders and appeal to them to reject the bill.

On Tuesday morning, Conrad met Neso leaders at his Delhi residence for another discussion to ensure that the bill does not receive the Upper House’s nod.

Speaking to reporters, Conrad said the issue relating to the bill was not about politics while stating that the opposition to the bill has brought students’ organisations, civil society and political parties of the region together.

“We have come together to oppose this particular amendment bill. We are standing against it and reaching out to political parties to ensure that they vote against the bill. We are continuing our stand that we will not allow this bill to be passed,” the chief minister said.

He said the opposing groups have been receiving support from different sections.

Conrad has emerged as the rallying point for political parties and students’ organisations in opposing the bill. He has been at the forefront in raising concerns of the indigenous people and groups of the Northeast against the bill.

“This is an issue that has brought all of us together. It is not about politics,” he said.

Moreover, he reiterated the decision of his party, the NPP, to sever ties with the BJP-led NDA, once the bill is passed.