Members of the Khasi Students Union (KSU), Synjuk ki Seng Samla Shnong (SSSS) and the Federation of Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKGJP) met in Mawkyrwat yesterday to demonstrate against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Forwardman Nongrem, KSU South West Khasi Hills president, said that the pressure groups will not allow the central government to implement the controversial law if it affects the indigenous people of the state.
Although the Centre has excluded Sixth Schedule areas from the purview of the CAA, Nongrem expressed doubt that this exemption will apply in the long term as it may only last until after the upcoming general election.
“If the government proceeds with the implementation of the CAA, we will implement the ILP (Inner Line Permit) and work permit in our villages and locality for our protection,” he added.
The pressure group members symbolically burnt copies of the legislation as part of the demo.