Assam: Today, December 11, 2019, marks five years since the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in the Rajya Sabha. The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has observed the day as ‘Betrayal Day’ and ‘Black Day’ to protest against the “disastrous law” for the Assamese community. A sit-in was held at the ‘Chachal Dharna Sthal’ in Guwahati, which was attended by AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan and other central committee members.
Speaking to the media, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi said, “The implementation of CAA by the central government is a gross injustice to the people of Assam. The central leadership has consistently ignored Assam as an integral part of the nation, depriving its citizens of the rights and privileges enjoyed by others across India. This neglect has allowed infiltrators and illegal migrants to enter Assam, creating significant social, political, cultural and linguistic challenges for the state due to its numerical strength in the Rajya Sabha. The leadership has failed to understand Assam’s unique situation and concerns. Five people lost their lives protesting against it.
Also, Clause 5 of the Assam Accord has become redundant due to the implementation of CAA. Meanwhile, the All Assam Students Union (AASU) hoisted black flags at Shahid Nyas in Uzan Bazar area of Guwahati, symbolizing their continued opposition to the CAA. AASU leaders held a passionate protest carrying placards that read “NO CAA”. The protest is reminiscent of that day in 2019 When the CAA, which they allege is a threat to Assam’s identity and culture, was passed in the Rajya Sabha.
