Biren Singh downplays concerns over Citizenship Bill in Manipur

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Wednesday urged people not to panic over the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, saying "a state government does not necessarily have to go always according to the directives of the Centre". "We had discussed the Bill in the last cabinet meeting and there will be further discussions," he said, adding that the state government shall never go against the wishes of the people. The bill seeks to give Indian citizenship to six minority groups from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. It has raised concerns that the indigenous population will be outnumbered by outsiders.

Congress MLA N. Loken said his party had "given final touches to launch agitations against the bill". Student groups like AMSU, Manipuri Students Federation, Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur and All Naga Students Association Manipur are opposing the Bill. They will support the anti-Bill campaign by NESO.

(With inputs from agencies.)