KOHIMA, DECEMBER 9 (MExN): The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), representing major student bodies from the region, has called for the observance of Black Day on December 11, 2024, to mark the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in 2019. NESO includes student organizations such as 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).
In a statement issued by NESO, the organization reminded the people of the North East that on December 11, 2019, despite widespread opposition from indigenous communities across the region, the Government of India passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 through the Rajya Sabha, which was later enacted into law as the CAA. NESO labeled December 11 as a Black Day, marking what it considers a political injustice against the indigenous people of the North East.
To observe this Black Day, NESO has called for the display of black flags and black banners in prominent places across all seven states of the North East on December 11, 2024. The observance is intended to send a strong message to the Government of India that the people of the North East continue to oppose the CAA.
NESO Chairperson Samuel B. Jyrwa and Secretary General Mutsikhoyo Yhobu emphasized in their statement that the Black Day serves as a reminder of the political injustice faced by the indigenous people and their ongoing struggle for their rights. They urged the people of the North East to support the observance and continue to fight for what they consider their God-given rights.
