More student groups declare R-Day boycott

Dimapur, Jan. 25 (EMN): At least six more organisations from Nagaland on Friday express their opposition to the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, with two student bodies announcing their participation in the boycott of the Indian Republic Day as a form of protest. In the footsteps of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), who is spearheading the protest against the Bill in Nagaland, the Diphupar Naga Students’ Union, the Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland and the Chakhesang Students' Union have also announced to boycott the Jan. 26 celebrations in their respective jurisdiction. Through separate press statements, the three student groups have directed their federating units; and educational institutions, students and citizens of their respective jurisdiction not to participate in any government activities or events related to the Republic Day celebration. Similarly, the Eastern Nagaland College Students' Union (ENCSU)—heeding to the call of the Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation—stated that it would participate in the boycott. It warned of stern action on those students failing to comply with the union’s directive. A statement from the All Nagaland School Teachers Association appealed to the state government to take a wise decision on the issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill keeping in view “the aspiration, the right, the will and the desire of future Naga indigenous people.” It also extended all possible “support to those organisations/federations (which opposes the Act in the larger interest of the future Naga indigenous people) particularly to the competent NSF which is spearheading the protest against the Bill since the inception of the issue.” Also, the Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC), in a statement expressed its opposition to the Bill.  It has urged the state government to “carefully listen to the outcries of various Naga tribal and students’ bodies and raise their voice against the Bill at the Centre.”