Shillong Jan 11: Protesters burnt effigies of the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 and the BJP-led NDA government as they observed black flag day to oppose the passing of the Bill in Lok Sabha.

The protest was held at Khyndai Lad on Friday by activists of the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People, Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front and Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation.

The protesters shouted slogans against Prime Minister Modi and the BJP as they displayed placards which read – “We protest the passing of CAB which seeks to wipe out the indigenous communities,” and “BJP-led government has demolished the spirit of Indian Constitution.”

Prior to the protest, the activists had an argument with police official, Prianchu Pandey who did not allow them to put up black flags at the protest venue saying, they have not been given permission to organize the protest. Pandey also removed black flags put up by the protesters.

Later they were allowed to put up the black flags after leaders of the three groups assured that they would remove all the flags after the protest.

Former Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) working president Paul Lyngdoh was also present besides leaders from other organizations who came there to express their solidarity and support

Speaking to reporters, FKJGP president Wellbirth Rani termed the Bill as an “evil design” of the BJP against the indigenous people of the North East.

“The Bill has been passed to suit the political interest of the BJP…you can look at the timing…the BJP is pushing its Hindutva agenda. The NDA government is playing double standard. You have the Assam Accord and NRC to deport illegal immigrants and now you are welcoming them by bringing this Citizenship Amendment Bill,” Rani said.

HNYF general secretary Sadon K Blah while addressing the protesters asked the NDA government not to allow its political agenda to affect the indigenous communities in the North East.

Referring to the family planning policy of the Centre which aims at stabilizing the country’s population, Blah said, “the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill is just the opposite to the national campaign launched by the Government of India under the slogans “Hum do, hamare do” or “We two, ours two”.

“You (Centre) say hum do, hamare do but how come you are inviting people from outside through this Bill,” he said.

Blah also accused the Central government of betraying the people of the North East by coming up with the Bill.

“Various organizations in the region have in one voice said no to the Bill before the Joint Parliamentary Committee but you lied us by passing this bill,” Blah lambasted.