4th Anniversary of CAA: AASU along with NESO observe ‘Black Day’ across North East

Digital Desk: The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) observed Black Day on December 11 by raising black flags at "Swahid Nyas Bhawan" in protest of the Centre's attempt to pass the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 by the Rajya Sabha on that day in 2019, despite the Northeast's indigenous people's unwavering opposition.

The North East Students' Organization (NESO) had previously announced that black banners and flags will be flown at all significant locations throughout the seven northeastern states.

The purpose of the observation, according to the NESO, was to inform the Center that the eight major student movements in the seven northeastern states were against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, of 2019. The eight major student movements- 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).

The organization encouraged local indigenous people to support Black Day celebrations and to keep fighting for their God-given rights, while also reminding them of another political crime committed by the Central government. This was announced in a press release by NESO Secretary General Mutsikhoyo Yhobu and Chairman Samuel B. Jyrwa.

Scholar, critic, and social activist Dr Hiren Gohain, who is located in Assam, recently stated on Saturday that the people of Assam should remember that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, was enacted without a single discussion. He questioned why the Parliament had not even addressed a measure that would be so destructive to Assam.

Dr Gohain recalled that during the anti-CAA demonstrations, thousands of young people demonstrated in the streets, placing former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a difficult situation.

"Five people were killed in the protests," he said. "Why are they still attempting to label the deceased as common criminals despite their status as martyrs?"

"They try to justify their crimes after they have been committed. The state and federal governments are once more pressuring for the CAA's implementation. For the Assamese people, this will be a disaster," Dr. Gohain added.

"After winning in three states, they will now come back with rejuvenated to carry out anti-people works. Mahua Moitra's criticism of Prime Minister Modi and Adani resulted in her expulsion from the Parliament. This was carried out to guarantee that Modi and Adani could not be questioned in the Parliament," he continued, criticizing the BJP government.

It may be noted that there are plans to have a memorial service for the people who died during the anti-CAA demonstration on December 12 in the area of Gauhati Commerce College.

There will be tributes to the five protestors who lost their lives, and representatives from the BJP and fifteen opposition parties will be there. There will be a candle march in the evening.

Dr Hiren Gohain asked the leaders of the anti-CAA protests who split off to pursue politics not to engage in such activities.

Additionally, he exhorted the people of Assam to reunite and resist giving in to deceptive promises.