The spontaneous and total response to the anti-CAB bandh all over Northeast on Tuesday has proved once again that assurances to the people of the region which flew incessantly during the marathon debate in LS had done little to ward off apprehensions. Noticeably, the same sentiment has been reflected in Arunachal, where life also came to a standstill, and this is despite the promise of a safety mechanism by way of ILP framework made part of the bill. All these show the quantum of antipathy against the proposed piece of law, inarguably the most disputed so far in India’s history as an independent nation, that has deep-rooted in minds of people of this region, if they are viewed as a homogenous class in context of the matter. With half-way mark already reached en route to becoming a law, Wednesday, when it will be taken in RS is going to be the day for acid test, not only for its promoters and those against, but also for the nation itself which professes itself as being secular.

The by and large NE sentiment about CAB is very clear which is now being constantly discussed over pan-Indian media since it’s perhaps the only region where protests have reached great heights, a notable absence in rest of the country. The enlarging feeling among the region’s original people that the promised ‘protective walls’ are superficial, cosmetic and merely eyewash in nature are too vivid to overlook. And the biggest consternation that has solidly gripped is about the future long-term consequences. Standing at the crossroads, there is also a NE wish that the bill somehow fails to cross the RS hurdle, a possibility which in all probability seems very unlikely, given the extent of clout displayed by the ruling BJP-led alliance. Coming to arithmetic, 121 is the magic figure required for getting clearance and opposition, as of now, has only 100. But the real deciders may turn out to be as many as those 19 members who can swing in favour of any side upsetting any calculation. Also, newer developments have emerged on Tuesday that have given an interesting angle to the contest. Two prominent leaders of JDU have appealed the party supremo to rethink the support to the bill. Shiv Sena meanwhile has added a condition that it won't extend support unless its clarifications are answered. Political observers feel that it may be due to the rising discontent centering around the feeling that the bill will not be in accordance with the constitutional principles, besides lacking certain clarities.

Climax has reached and it’s still unsure whether any anti-climax is in store or not. But, at the moment, for entire NE and all those against CAB, its hope against hope. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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