As soon as home minister Amit Shah introduced Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha, vehement protests started pouring in both from inside and outside the Parliament in New Delhi.
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) MP in the Rajya Sabha, Birendra Prasad Baishya said, “I have read the bill. We are concerned that the bill might hamper the culture and tradition of Assam.”
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“Language and culture of Assam need to be protected,” he added.
“This bill raised concern on the identity of Assam as well as Assam Accord. So whenever CAB is coming in the Rajya Sabha we will strongly raise our concern,” he added.
Stating that CAB has excluded ILP states and Sixth Schedule areas of the northeast, Baishya said that there is neither ILP nor Sixth Schedule area in Brahmaputra valley.
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“It’s a matter of concern. I have been raising my voice for the people of Assam and I will keep raising my voice in the future too,” said the AGP MP.
Baishya’s statement seems to be the first ‘on record’ statement coming from a senior AGP leader.
It assumes significance especially at a time when this decades-old regional party has been facing peoples wrath for keeping mum against the bill.
Significantly, All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) is at the forefront in opposing the bill. However, present leaders of AGP which is an offshoot of AASU are keeping silent over the matter.
Meanwhile, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has staged a protest demonstration against CAB at Jantar Mantar.
“We appeal all the non-BJP MPs to come together in opposing the bill,” said AIUDF MLA Hafiz Rafiku Islam.