CAB row: Nagaland students' body stage sit-in near Guv House

Members of Naga Students Federation (NSF) on Tuesday staged a sit-in outside Raj Bhavan to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, even as the NESO, which called for a bandh in the northeast, exempted the state from the stir, in view of the Hornbill Festival.

The festival, a major annual function that showcases the culture, art, handicrafts and food of Nagaland is held every year from December 1 to 10 at a village here.

Raising slogans against the legislation, the NSF -- apex students' body in Nagaland -- sought its immediate withdrawal, outside Raj Bhavan here.

Volunteers from various colleges, along with former NESO general secretary NSN Lotha, also joined the sit-in that lasted for one-and-half hours.

The North East Students' Organisation (NESO) - an umbrella body of students' organisations in the northeast - has called for a shutdown across the region in protest against the legislation, which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees who fled religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Speaking on the occasion, NSF president Ninoto Awomi said, "We are all aware that the culture and identity of indigenous people in the northeast is facing a massive threat from illegal immigrants. The bill will also encourage influx of immigrants."