A group of retired defence officers and academicians on Tuesday assured DoNER minister Dr Jitendra Singh of creating awareness on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Northeast.
The delegates told the union minister that keeping the present prevailing situation in Northeast in mind, “it is our duty to sensitise the youth about the current issues, including Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).”
Gen NS Malik said there are about 50,000 to 60,000 students from northeastern states in and around Bengaluru.
The delegation also told the union minister that they would like to work to bring out an awareness programme for the youth regarding issues related to national security and CAA.
They offered their cooperation, experience, and expertise in implementing the programs planned by the DoNER ministry in this direction. The delegation said they also take up site-specific programmes in improving social harmony and economic development.
Dr Singh said the central government is committed to the development of the northeastern region.
He welcomed the suggestions by the delegation and said youth awareness is very important and “they are assets of our nation”.
The union minister added that the North Eastern Council (NEC) can coordinate with the delegation and work in the direction of youth awareness there.
The delegation represented the India North-East Development Organisation (INEDO). The delegation was led by its President Gen N S Malik (retd).
DoNER minister Singh tweeted: “Discussed #CitizenshipAmendmentAct , #Northeast and related current issues with delegation of senior Defence officers and academicians led by former Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Gen N.S. Malik. They also offered to undertake public awareness activity, particularly among youth.”
Discussed #CitizenshipAmendmentAct , #Northeast and related current issues with delegation of senior Defence officers and academicians led by former Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Gen N.S. Malik. They also offered to undertake public awareness activity, particularly among youth. pic.twitter.com/TmlS3KmRJR
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) December 24, 2019
Protests against the CAA continue in Assam and other parts of Northeast demanding the withdrawal of the CAA.
The new Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have migrated to India after facing persecution on grounds of religion in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh if they fulfil conditions for grant of citizenship.