The North East Students’ Organization (NESO) has expressed deep concern over recent allegations regarding the conduct of security forces in Manipur, following reports from various groups, including the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), which claimed that “security forces escorted certain groups” in the ongoing ethnic conflict.
NESO warned that such actions could “potentially undermine the peace process and exhibit bias in the ongoing crisis” and urged the Government of India to initiate an impartial investigation into the conduct of security personnel.
In a press release issued by NESO Secretary General Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, the organization reiterated its longstanding commitment to peace and stability across the Northeast.
“NESO has consistently championed peace and stability in the region, urging all stakeholders to act responsibly and impartially,” it said.
NESO emphasized that the role of central forces is to protect civilians and uphold law and order without favour. NESO said, “Alleged actions by the central forces, if true, directly counter these efforts and could escalate tensions further,” adding that the primary role of the paramilitary forces is to protect the populace and uphold law and order.
“NESO calls for these agencies to maintain strict neutrality, ensuring that their presence fosters peace rather than division,” it reiterated.
NESO also said that the ongoing crisis in Manipur has already caused immense suffering, displacement, and a breakdown of trust among communities and urged the Government of India to approach the situation with sensitivity and “avoid political manipulation that could prolong the people’s agony and create further instability.” The student body said that immediate steps must be taken by the central government to restore normalcy and prevent actions that may worsen the situation.
Highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Manipur, NESO reiterated its demand for immediate peace and the swift rehabilitation of all displaced individuals. “The humanitarian crisis in Manipur must be addressed urgently to ensure that affected families can return to their homes with dignity and security,” it added.
”We call upon all responsible authorities, particularly the Assam Rifles and other security agencies, to adhere to their mandate of ensuring security without bias,” the statement read.
Furthermore, NESO urged the central government to “take these allegations seriously and conduct an impartial investigation to hold accountable any personnel found guilty of compromising neutrality.”
“ The future of Manipur and the larger Northeast depends on our collective ability to foster mutual respect and avoid external manipulations that seek to divide us,” NESO stated.