Mizoram governor addresses empty ground amid protest and boycott call against Citizenship bill
Aizawl, Jan 26 (IBNS): Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan on Saturday addressed an almost empty ground on the 70th Republic Day celebration at Aizawl due to massive protests and boycott call given by various organisations against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016.
The Republic Day celebration function was held at Assam Rifles ground, Aizawl and general public had boycotted to attend the function.
According to reports, only ministers, legislators, officials of the Mizoram government attended the function.
The boycott call was given by the NGO Co-ordination Committee, an organisation of civil society groups and student bodies including Young Mizo Association, Mizoram Upa Pawl, Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl, Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Mizo Students Union.
The protesters staged protest in front of the Assam Rifles ground, Aizawl and shouted slogans against the controversial bill.
In generally up to 30 contingents traditionally take part in the Republic Day parade, but only six armed contingents had took part in the annual event this year.
The Mizoram governor said in his speech that, the state government is committed to promote and preserve the Mizo identity, tradition, cultures, values and the state government would introduce the Socio-Economic Development Policy aiming in socio-economic development in the state.
It is to be mentioned that, protests are going on in Assam and other states of the North Eastern region against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, which is aimed to grant Indian citizenship to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
On the other hand, the 70th Republic Day has been celebrated in Assam and other parts of North Eastern region peacefully despite boycott calling by eight banned militant outfits of the region.
Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi has hoisted the tricolour national flag at Khanapara parade ground in Guwahati and he also extended greetings to the people of the state.
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