NESO calls 11 hr NE Bandh on January 8 against Citizenship Bill, 2016

Guwahati: The Northeast Students Organisation (NESO) consisting of All Assam Students’ Union, Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Garo Students’ Union (GSU), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Tripura Students’ Federation (TSF) calls for 11 NE bandh on January 8 (5am to 4pm).

As per a press statement, NESO clearly stated that the group vehemently opposes the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016.

Addressing a press conference at The Hotel Prag Continental on Saturday, NESO members stated that they condemned the statement of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stand on the Citizenship Bill in Cachar on Friday.

It may be mentioned that PM Modi in a public rally in Kalinagar near Silchar during an election campaign stated that the Government of India is hoping for the final clearance of the amendment of the proposed Citizenship Bill, 2016 in Parliament.

Speaking to The Sentinel Digital, AASU Secretary, Lurin Gogoi said, "People of Assam have no more alternate option left, our community is in deep danger. We are calling the bandh against the Bill. People from every part of the state will join together on January 23 in Guwahati to stage a massive protest against the Government of India and Citizenship Bill."

As per earlier reports, NESO had made its stand very clear that they will never accept the proposed bill.

NESO today in the press conference also claimed that the move of Government of India is an imposition to the sentiments of the indigenous people of Northeast. “This move by the Government of India is very dangerous as it will reduce the indigenous people of Northeast to a minority,” NESO claimed further.

NESO also added, “We have no other alternative, but to call for an NE Bandh on January 8 from 5 am to 4 pm.”

NESO also warns Government of India not to play with the future of the Indigenous people of Northeast for vote bank politics.

NESO also request the people of the Northeast Region to co-operate with the bandh, as this will send a clear message to the Government of India that Northeast is not a dumping ground of illegal migrants.