Nagaland Cabinet Meeting on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

Kohima, 20th January, 2019

In view of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 being passed by the Lok Sabha and the adverse impact on Nagaland and other North Eastern States, the State Cabinet met on 18th January 2019 and deliberated on the matter in detail. Earlier also the State Cabinet had discussed this issue on 5th June, 2018 and 7th January, 2019.

In the meeting held on 18th January 2019, the Cabinet discussed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and re-iterated the earlier decisions taken on 5th June, 2018 and 7th January, 2019. The Cabinet decided to adopt a Resolution re-affirming all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next Session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

The Cabinet also decided to refer the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to the Standing Committee on Article 371 (A) under Nagaland Legislative Assembly to examine the issue in its entirety.

The Cabinet was of the unequivocal view that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 is not applicable to Nagaland and we stand protected under the provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, affirmed under Clause 16 of the 16 Point Agreement,. The Cabinet also decided to further appeal to the Government of India to have wider consultations with all North Eastern States to ensure that the rights of indigenous people are fully protected.

As per the Cabinet decision, Hon’ble Chief Minister has also written a letter to Union Home Minister conveying the concern and apprehension of people of Nagaland with regard to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. It has been clearly mentioned that the Bill, even if enacted, will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Constitutional ecosystem contained in Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India that guarantees the Nagas their Way of Life un-interfered by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides. This is necessary to ensure that the historic and unique cultural traditions and customary practices of Nagas are protected and safeguarded for which special constitutional provisions under Article 371(A) have also been incorporated in the Constitution of India.

Issued by:
Media Cell,
Chief Minister’s Office,
Nagaland : Kohima