The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), a collective of eight major student bodies representing the indigenous communities of the North East, has announced that December 11 will be observed as a “Black Day” across the region to mark the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in 2019.
In a statement issued today, NESO reminded the people of the North East that despite widespread opposition from the indigenous communities, the Government of India passed the controversial law in the Rajya Sabha on December 11, 2019. The law, which fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, has faced criticism from various student groups and indigenous organizations for its perceived impact on the region’s demographic balance and cultural identity.
The organisation, which includes the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF), All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Garo Students’ Union (GSU), and All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), declared that the day would be marked by the display of black flags and black banners at prominent locations across all seven North Eastern states.
NESO emphasized that the observation serves as a reminder of what it calls a “political injustice” inflicted upon the indigenous peoples of the North East. The organization also reiterated its firm opposition to the CAA, urging the Government of India to recognize the concerns and rights of the indigenous communities in the region.