As anticipated, anti-CAB sentiments have started oozing from the very first day of commencement of winter session of parliament all over NE including Arunachal. By now, it’s certain that this time, BJP-led central government will leave no stone unturned to ensure its passage. In state capital as well as other NE capitals, it’s the beginning of hitting the streets by students’ organisations, presumably awaiting to be culminated into mass movements in coming weeks if there are any disregard or overlooking of the ‘protections’ as promised. Extreme sensitivity of the situation can be measured from the fact that state cabinet has decided for yet another round of meeting on Wednesday with all stakeholders before sending the final recommendation to Delhi. Whether Delhi will display a majoritarian character or will uphold pluralism, an intrinsic character that has defined the nation’s character so long is a matter of conjecture and will be clear within a few days. But what is clearly visible is the air of uncertainty that is really thickening fast over the region and it would not be surprising if this winter turns out to be a season of discord. 
 

By now, much has been said and written about CAB and why it has stirred NE sentiments so vehemently. And despite intentions to keep the actual agenda incognito, it’s clear as daylight that this bill is based entirely on the idea of galloping ahead a religious agenda which is to garner faith of a bunch of communities which can be homogenously categorised as ‘non-Muslims’. No wonder, it has been termed as a glaring example of vote bank politics by various social commentators along with a discernible mass feeling gathering momentum that it’s perhaps the most brazen form ever witnessed in the country. Whatever might be, NE’s arguments must be taken due cognizance since it carries unputdownable logic. It must not be made a ‘garage’ for immigrants who, as widely feared and believed, within no time can make the place chock-a-block, pushing the true people of the soil on the verge of extreme misfortunes in all parameters-social, economic, cultural and so on. BJP and NDA was chosen so overwhelmingly by the people of this region only with the belief that wheels of development that had gathered rust for decades will accelerate a bit more faster. And it would be most unfortunate, if the reverse happens and if CAB proves to be the cause.

It is must be realised by the ‘champions’ of CAB that it is something which the NE just can’t afford. And it would also be a grave mistake also if there are any efforts for its force-swallowing. The current sentiments are apt precursive indicators that must be analysed with patience and objectivity before its launch.