The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), a collective of eight major student bodies across the seven northeastern states, observed “Black Day” today in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA). The decision was conveyed in a statement issued by NESO chairman Samuel B. Jyrwa and secretary general Mutsikhoyo Yhobu.
NESO stated that December 11 marks the date in 2019 when the CAA was passed in the Rajya Sabha despite what it described as widespread and relentless opposition from indigenous communities across the Northeast. The organisation reiterated its position that the legislation constitutes a political injustice imposed on the region by the Government of India.
As part of this year’s observance, NESO announced that black flags and black banners will be displayed at major locations across all northeastern states on December 11, 2025. The organisation said the symbolic protest is intended to send a clear message to the Union government that the people of the Northeast continue to oppose the CAA. It also aims to remind current and future generations of what NESO called a disregard of indigenous rights.
The organisation urged residents across the region to extend support to the observance and to remain committed to what it described as the collective struggle for the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Northeast.
NESO comprises the Khasi Students’ Union, All Assam Students’ Union, Naga Students’ Federation, Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Twipra Students’ Federation, All Manipur Students’ Union, Garo Students’ Union, and All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union.