As the return of normalcy to Manipur seemed to be getting further away with each passing day, the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) spearheaded a demonstration today across all seven North Eastern States, demanding “permanent peace in Manipur.” The demonstration aimed to express dissatisfaction with the central government’s handling of the violence for six months and to call for immediate intervention.
In Shillong, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) organized the demonstration, while in Assam, it was led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU). The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) took charge in Kohima, Nagaland, and in Mizoram, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) coordinated the event. The Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) led the demonstration in Tripura, and the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) in Arunachal Pradesh.
NSF holds demonstration in Kohima
During the demonstration, Mteisuding, Vice President of NSF, expressed deep disappointment at the Government of India’s perceived inaction in quelling the violence. He emphasized that despite the pleas and cries for help from affected communities, the response has been “disappointingly inactive,” perpetuating the ongoing violence.
“The Northeast Region has often felt neglected and marginalized in the broader context, and the lack of a swift and meaningful response to this crisis has only prolonged the ongoing violence,” stated the vice president.
The NSF appealed to the Government of India to take immediate and concrete steps to intervene, providing support and resources for peace talks and other peace-building efforts.
Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, Secretary General of NESO, urged the government not to play politics with innocent lives, calling for sincerity in addressing the ongoing violence. Yhobu further urged Prime Minister Modi to address the issue directly.
Ejanthung Ngullie, Coordinator of NESO, called for the collective participation of individuals and neighbourhoods to foster peace in Manipur. Expressing condolences for the lives lost, Ngullie emphasized the need for a unified stand and voiced the desire for peace and normalcy in Manipur and the entire Northeast Region.
Imtiyapang Imsong, former General Secretary of NSF, appealed to concerned citizens across the Northeast to stand united and voice their desire for peace. “NE people will not remain silent until peace is brought about in Manipur,” he declared.
Kegwayhun Tep, former President of NSF, expressed concern for students whose careers were affected by the conflict. He emphasized the importance of lasting peace and normalcy for progress in the region, stating, “Naga people and Manipur will always remain neighbours; therefore, lasting peace and normalcy are paramount to progress collectively in the region.”