Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016: AABHA starts signature campaign in Silchar

The All Assam Bengali Hindu Association (AABHA), on Tuesday, started a signature campaign in Silchar in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The association members gathered in front of the Cachar deputy commissioner’s office here this morning and raised slogans in unison demanding implementation of the bill.

Former minister Kabindra Purkayastha, who commenced the campaign, said the government is committed to provide citizenship to persecuted migrants and hoped the bill would be implemented soon.

State BJP spokesperson Rajdeep Roy said persecuted migrants would be given citizenship and that the bill, sooner or later, would be implemented.

He also lauded the association for its initiative of gathering public support over the issue and urged other organisations to join the movement.

The association’s president B. Sharma said the campaign, which would be for around a month, would be carried out in different parts of the valley. A report will be sent to the joint parliamentary committee, which is reviewing the bill, he said.

Nearly 1000 signatures were collected in two phases of the campaign today.

Among other members of the association, Santanu Sutradhar and Rajib Nath were present.