NEWDELHI (SPH) -The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 has been passed by the Parliament, with the Rajya Sabha approving it l. 125 members supported the legislation while 105 opposed it. The House also negated the amendments moved by Opposition parties while approving the Bill. The bill was passed by the LokSabha on Monday. 311 members had voted in its favour and 80 members opposing it. The bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make illegal migrants of six communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan eligible for Indian citizenship. The communities are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed happiness at the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill getting a nod of the Rajya Sabha. Mr Modi said it is a landmark day for India and the nation’s ethos of compassion and brotherhood. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said the Bill will alleviate the sufferings of many who faced persecution for years. He expressed gratitude to all the Members of Parliament who voted in favour of the Bill. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said the legislation will provide a dignified life to religiously
oppressed minorities from India’s neighbourhood. In a tweet, Mr Javadekar hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the historic step. On the other hand, Congress President Sonia Gandhi described the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 as a victory of narrowminded over India’s pluralism. In a statement, she reiterated Congress’ determination to be relentless in its struggle against
what she alleged is the BJP’s polarising agenda. Meanwhile amidst massive protest against Citizenship
Amendment Bill (CAB) in Assam is causing worry for the people of Siang belt as road communication between the Siang districts and Itanagar has come to a halt. Many goods trucks and oil tankers returning from different parts of Siang belt have been stranded at Ruksin Gate bordering Assam for the last couple of days. People of Siang districts, who have to cross 2 Assam to reach Itanagar, Dibrugarh and other places for various purposes, are also stuck. Shortage of fuel, trading materials and other essential commodities are also looming large in Siang belt. In view of the prevailing situation in the neighbouring State of Assam, East Siang DC, Dr Kinny Singh, has issued a Public Advisory for safety, cautioning commuters to refrain from traveling through Assam during this period. It further said that if any commuter still insists on ignoring the Public Advisory, it would be their sole personal responsibility.
