BJP faces R-Day boycott, heat against Citizenship bill

The influential All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and 30 other organisations in Assam on Wednesday threatened to ‘block free movement’ of BJP leaders if the NDA’s Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not withdrawn.

At least eight militant groups in Manipur, Assam and Tripura, on the other hand, issued a Republic Day boycott call against the bill that has triggered strong protests across the Northeast.

“We have been peacefully staging protests and requesting BJP to listen to the strong public voice against the bill. But they are very arrogant and showing dictatorial attitude by passing the bill in the Lok Sabha. Let us warn them today that we will block free movement of BJP leaders, MLAs and ministers in Assam if they don’t relent,” AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi said here at a massive rally that thundered against the bill.

Singers, artists, litterateurs, politicians and students—all gathered in the rally and resolved to intensify their agitation against the bill.

“Was it our mistake to vote for BJP? If it was not a mistake, why is BJP trying to pass a bill that will destroy our identity, culture and language? We will continue to fight and teach BJP a lesson,” president of All Bodo Students’ Union, Promod Boro said, while addressing the rally.

“We will launch a BJP hatao abhiyan from February 1 since the ruling party is not listening to the popular voice,” Aditya Khaklari of All Assam Tribal Sangha said. Members of Mizo Students’ Association also staged a protest against the bill in Aizawl.

Republic Day boycott:

At least eight militant groups in Manipur, Assam and Tripura issued a Republic Day boycott call to protest the bill. A joint statement, emailed to DH said that the bill was part of the India government’s ‘demographic invasion’ by offering citizenship to certain religious sections.

The boycott call was issued by Co-ordination Committee, a forum of six militant groups in Manipur, United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) and National Liberation Front of Twipra. The militant groups have been demanding sovereignty.