SHILLONG: The Khasi Students' Union (KSU), collaborating with the North East Students' Organization (NESO), marked 'Black Day' in Shillong today to protest the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019. This protest is not only based on Shillong, it was just a part of a larger movement in the Northeast. The ultimate motive was to raise awareness about the potential dangers the CAA poses to local communities.
NESO is a group made up of student organizations from the region, including 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). These groups have been outspoken against the CAA, expressing concern that it could upset the region’s population balance due to illegal immigration.
In Shillong, the KSU led the protest, displaying banners and placards criticizing the Meghalaya government for not doing enough to protect the rights of local people. One of the banners also urged the government to clarify its stance on the Inner Line Permit (ILP), a long-standing issue that the central government has not yet resolved.
Protesters also pointed out the shrinking Khasi population in Shillong, starting to drop to around 46-48%. They believe this trend could threaten the community’s identity and way of life.
All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) have also observed Black Day in Itanagar. Pritam Waii Sonam, a leader of NESO, emphasized that the student groups will continue their protests until the CAA is repealed.
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