The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), representing eight major student bodies across the seven northeastern states, observed “Black Day” Thursday to protest the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), reiterating that the legislation constitutes a “political injustice” imposed on the region.
NESO chairman Samuel B Jyrwa and secretary general Mutsikhoyo Yhobu said the observance commemorates December 11, 2019, when the CAA was passed in the Rajya Sabha despite what they described as “widespread and relentless opposition” from indigenous communities across the Northeast. Black flags and banners were displayed at major locations across the region as a symbolic protest to remind the Union government and future generations of the perceived disregard for indigenous rights.
In Kohima, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), under NESO, held a program at Naga Solidarity Park with senior NSF officials and representatives of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU). The event featured the hoisting of black flags and the symbolic burning of CAA documents.
Addressing the gathering, NESO secretary general Yhobu said, “For that reason, we demanded that the CAA should not be implemented in the Northeast to safeguard indigenous communities. But our voice was not heard.” He noted that while Inner Line Permit (ILP) states are exempt, several other northeastern states remain affected, stressing that “ILP or not, the region is home to indigenous peoples whose rights must be protected.”
NSF president Mteisuding said the federation “stands firmly for the rights of indigenous people” and reaffirmed that NSF will continue to oppose the Act “until it is scrapped.” He thanked AAPSU leaders for joining the observance.
AAPSU vice president (Protocol) Nabam Gandhi criticized the Centre for failing to assess the social and economic impact of the Act on different regions, saying it has adversely affected the Northeast, and reaffirmed AAPSU’s commitment to oppose it “until it is repealed.”
NESO comprises the Khasi Students’ Union, All Assam Students’ Union, NSF, Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Twipra Students’ Federation, All Manipur Students’ Union, Garo Students’ Union, and All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union. The organization urged residents to support the observance and remain committed to the “collective struggle” for indigenous rights across the region.
