North East Black Day against CAA observed in Kohima

Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), under the banner of the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), observed the North East Black Day against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima on Thursday. The federation marked the day by hoisting black flags and organising a rally to reaffirm its opposition to the Act.

Chairing the programme, NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent described the CAA as unjust and discriminatory. He asserted that the legislation poses a direct threat to the indigenous communities of the Northeast. Moreover, he emphasised that their homeland represents more than just territory; it embodies their identity, culture, and history.

Delivering the keynote address, NESO secretary general Mutsikhoyo Yhobu reminded the gathering that the entire Northeast observes this day because the Government of India passed the CAA on December 11, 2019. He said NESO had consistently opposed the imposition of the Act in the region. However, despite repeated objections from student bodies and indigenous communities, the Rajya Sabha passed the Act on this very day, prompting NESO to declare December 11 as North East Black Day.

Yhobu further said NESO continues to demand that the Government of India refrain from implementing the CAA in the Northeast to safeguard indigenous populations. He urged the people to stand united and resist the Act to protect their identity and rights.

Speaking at the event, NSF president Mteisuding reaffirmed that the federation will persist with its protest until the Act is scrapped. He also expressed gratitude to the leaders of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) for joining the protest in Kohima.

Addressing the gathering, Nabam Gandhi, AAPSU vice president (protocol), said the union firmly rejects the CAA, arguing that it endangers the culture, traditions, customs, and natural resources of the Northeast.