The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) under the aegis of North East Students' Organisation (NESO) held a demonstration for ‘Permanent Peace in Manipur’ in Kohima on November 9. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 9
The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) under the aegis of North East Students' Organisation (NESO) held a demonstration for ‘Permanent Peace in Manipur’ while protesting against the alleged failure of the Government of India (GoI) to resolve the over six months long violent conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur.
Demonstrators assembled outside Raj Bhavan Thursday morning shouting slogans and holding placards some of which read, “The North-East resent the failure of the government of India,” “We demand permanent peace in Manipur,” “GoI your inaction shows your attitude toward the North-East,” “Stop playing politics over human lives,” etc.
While calling for peace between the conflicting parties in Manipur, NSF vice president Mteisuding said they gathered to demonstrate its resentment against the ‘inadequacy’ of the GoI in ending the cycle of violence, and its incapability to take necessary steps to promote reconciliation.
Extending solidarity over the loss of countless lives and immeasurable sufferings caused in the past six months, Mteisuding said, “we believe that it is our moral responsibility to raise our voices against this strife and to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the many months of bloodshed and violence.”
Noting with grave concern over the ongoing conflict which has caused immeasurable pain and suffering, not only to those involved but also to the entire region, he maintained that this ongoing violence threatens to tear apart the social fabric of the region and erode peace and stability – ‘the birthright of every citizen.’
Disappointed over the inaction of the GoI despite the pleas and cries for help from the affected communities to cease violence, Mteisuding iterated ‘the North-East 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.’
The NSF, therefore, calls upon all stakeholders to prioritize peace and dialogue as the only way to resolve this crisis while also urging the conflicting communities to come together and seek common ground for lasting peace in the region,” he stated.
It further appealed the GoI to take immediate and concrete steps to intervene in this matter, provided necessary support and resources to facilitate peace talks and other peace-building efforts.
In his solidarity message, NESO secretary general, Mutsikhoyo Yhobu reminded the GoI not to play politics over innocent lives, but rather show sincerity to resolve the ongoing violence in Manipur and take necessary actions to stop all violence.
He further informed that the demonstration is being simultaneously held across North-Eastern States to call for peace among the conflicting groups, and urging the Prime Minister to speak up on the issue.
NESO coordinator Ejanthung Ngullie, former general secretary NSF, Imtiyapang Imsong and former president NSF, Kegwayhun Tep also expressed strong resentment against the failure of the central government to resolve the violence in Manipur. They urged upon the GoI to immediately address the crisis in an efficient manner and restore permanent peace in Manipur state.
Ngullie, while extending condolences on the loss of countless lives, asserted that the North-East people will not remain silent until peace is brought about in Manipur. He appealed to all concerned citizens across the North-East to forge a unified stand and voice out our desire for peace and normalcy in the state of Manipur and the entire region.
Meanwhile, Tep expressed concern for the students whose career has been affected by the conflict. He also reminded that Naga people and Manipur will always remain neighbours, and therefore, lasting peace and normalcy is paramount to progress collectively in the region.
