AMSU protests CAA, waves black flags

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 11 :The All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) staged a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, today by holding black flags in front of the main gate of Manipur University.
The protest was part of a wider "Black Day" observance across various North Eastern States, organized by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO), in opposition to the passing of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill (now an Act).
Speaking to the media, NESO assistant secretary general Wangjam Sanatomba stated that they have been observing December 11 as North East Black Day in protest against the passing of the CAA.
He contended that the CAA aims to grant Indian citizenship to illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who belong to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian faiths, provided they entered India before December 31, 2014.
Stating that the legislation poses a serious threat to the survival of indigenous communities in North East India, as outsiders may overwhelm them, he said that people are already aware of the fate of the Tripuri people in Tripura.
He also pointed out that illegal immigration is one of the primary factors contributing to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
Even though the CAA does not apply to States with the Inner Line Permit System and Sixth Schedule, individuals granted Indian citizenship under the Act could still enter North East India afterward, he said.
He emphasised that any attempts to turn North East India into a dumping ground for illegal immigrants will be met with strong resistance.