North East Black Day observed in Kohima against CAA

Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), under the banner of the North East Students’ Organization (NESO), observed Northeast Black Day against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at the Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima on Thursday. The Federation celebrated the day by hoisting black flags and holding a rally to protest the Act.

Presiding over the event, NSF General Secretary Kenilo Kent described the CAA as wrong and discriminatory. He said the law poses a direct threat to the indigenous people of the Northeast. He further emphasized that their homeland is not just a territory; it reflects their identity, culture, and history.

Delivering the keynote address, NESO Secretary General Mutsikhoyo Yobu reminded the gathering that the entire Northeast celebrates this day because the Indian government passed the CAA on December 11, 2019. He said that NESO has consistently opposed the implementation of the Act in the region. However, despite repeated protests from student bodies and tribal communities, the Rajya Sabha passed the Act on the same day, prompting the NESO to declare December 11th as Northeast Black Day.

Yobu further stated that the NESO demands that the Indian government not implement the CAA in the Northeast to protect the tribal population. He appealed to the people to unite and oppose the Act to protect their identity and rights.

Speaking at the event, NSF President Mateisuding reiterated that the Federation will continue its protests until the Act is repealed. He also thanked the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) leaders for joining the protest in Kohima.

Addressing the gathering, AAPSU Vice President (Protocol) Nabam Gandhi said that the Union completely rejects the CAA, stating that it endangers the culture, traditions, customs, and natural resources of the Northeast.