Morung Express news
Kohima | August 4
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and North East Students’ Organization (NESO) today observed that unless top government machineries in the state and centre make intervention to ensure safety and security of people in violent-torn Manipur, particularly for the student community, peace and normalcy will not prevail.
This was stressed on as the two organizations undertook a three-day goodwill mission to Manipur from August 1-3.
During the visit to Manipur, the NESO after meeting the Chief Minister and Governor also submitted a memorandum to the state government and Prime Minister through the Governor of Manipur, “to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.”
Addressing a press conference here in Kohima, Secretary General NESO, Mutsikhoyo Yhobu informed that a delegation of NESO visited Manipur and met several Civil Society Organizations including (CSOs) and relief camps.
“Displaced people in the camps irrespective of any community had echoed their desire to go back to their homes but they are in a condition where they are without any option given the continuous clashes. As long as violence continues, the demands and resolutions will not be met,” he said. He appealed for peace among each and every community by shunning violence and discussing differences.
The delegation visited relief camps in different districts and met with organization like COCOMI, tribal CSOs in Churachandpur among others.
NSF President, Kegwayhun Tep said unless the central government led by the Prime Minister makes an intervention into the current situation in Manipur, safety and security cannot be assured for the people. On issues and concerns being faced by Naga students studying in Manipur, Tep underscored that Imphal is considered an educational hub for Naga people and has seen a good number of students enrolled in different institutions, particularly pursuing degrees in universities and taking up medical, agri and allied courses.
However, months back, they have returned to their homes in the backdrop of the conflict. ”Most of the students are reaching out to the office of the NSF whether they are safe to pursue their courses again,” he informed, while adding that curtailing internet connection has also hampered alternative means to continue their courses.
The President, in this regard, said the association has been asking for safety assurances particularly for the student community. However, he said that so far no statement has been made by any of the government officials or communities. “We have made our point clear that as long as we exist, we cannot leave behind our neighbours, Tep said.
The NSF under the aegis of NESO also joined the goodwill mission undertaken in Manipur. Coordinator from NESO, who was also present at the conference, informed that any students studying in Manipur or their parents can come to the NSF office with their grievances in relation to clashes in Manipur.
He maintained that NESO stands for the welfare and security of students. “Although NESO cannot give any commitment or assurance to the parties or communities that we have visited; we have made an appeal to shun violence as it is a threat for the students' community and jeopardises their future,” he said.
On receipt of the memorandum, the Governor reportedly informed the delegation that the government is in talks with the centre and assured to take the matter on priority. The officials also said they received positive response from Manipur CM.
