KSU and NESO mark ‘Black Day’ in Shillong over opposition to CAA

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), in collaboration with the North East Students’ Organization (NESO), marked ‘Black Day’ in Shillong, voicing strong opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019. The demonstration, part of a larger Northeast-wide movement, highlighted the perceived threats the Act poses to indigenous communities.

NESO, an umbrella body comprising organizations like the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), and others, has consistently criticized the CAA, arguing that it could destabilize the region’s demographic balance due to an influx of immigrants.

In Shillong, KSU-led protesters displayed banners demanding government action to safeguard local rights. They also called for clarity on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya, an issue unresolved by the central government. Protesters expressed concerns over the declining Khasi population in Shillong, reportedly reduced to 46-48%, warning of its potential impact on the community’s cultural identity.Simultaneously, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) observed ‘Black Day’ in Itanagar, with NESO leader Pritam Waii Sonam affirming that protests would continue until the CAA is repealed.