On the arrest of General Secretary of Reformist Students' Federation

26th January, 2019

Yesterday early morning Amarjit Ningthouja, the General Secretary of Reformist Students’ Federation was picked up from his house at Khngabok, Thoubal district, by the state police force.

Till now his whereabout is not known and the state police refuse to share the information with us. MSAD, in association with Reformist Students’ Federation (RSF), Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur (SSUM), All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation (AMMSO) and All Meitei-Pangal Students’ Union of Manipur (AMPSUM) have been in a state-wide campaign for the last few weeks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (CAB) that was passed on India’s Lok Sabha on 8th of January.

The Bill is specifically designed in Delhi so as to push the native population of the entire “North-East” to the edge of annihilation; socially, politically, economically and culturally at all.

It is at times of critical condition that we the people know the true nature of a government, whether it stands with the people or with the few who have accumulated so much power and are ready to unleash violence through brutal force at situations they deem fit.

It is crystal clear to us from our critical observation from the last few years that, if “fake encounter” was the hobby of the Okram Ibobi led Congress government, “Go to” festivals and arresting civilians and students activists have become the hobbies of the Nongthombam Biren led BJP/RSS Hindu fascist government of Manipur.

When the whole of the “North-East” region is burning in resistance and protest against the racist CAB, Manipur’s MPs in Rajya Sabha and the CM fail to ensure the people that they oppose this Bill. It is as if they have always to be knocked at their heads as reminder that they do not represent their masters in Delhi but the people of Manipur.

The state government should stop fooling around giving empty and unfounded statement to the public and focus on the real issue at hand. They act wisely now at this crucial time or future generations spit on their graveyards. Our voices can not be slaughtered through intimidation and use of armed police forces.

Now we remind ourselves that this government, both the central and the state, are in inextricable collaboration to enslave the indigenous people.

Therefore, we extend our solidarity and support to the boycott call of India’s Republic Day celebration in Manipur by various student bodies. Also, we demand the unconditional release of our comrade, Amarjit Ningthouja. Lastly, we call for a more intense struggle and resistance against this colonial policy of India.

Sd/-
Veewon Thokchom
President
Manipur Students' Association Delhi (MSAD)