After witnessing so much tension, protests and rivalries among us, there is no point to talk about uniting! Nothing can bind us now. What would be the future of
these small communities? Problems seem unsolved like the Su-Doku game! But there is always a hope! Let us try to heal those wounds amidst hatred and ill feelings on each other.
The coming Delhi University student's election must be the turning point for North Eastern Students Community as a group. Do not lose such an important issue to hit
the right chord of identity and solidarity.
It is an eye opener to those North Eastern students struggling to defend their right of identity, safeguards against repeated torture and blot of minority group. It is time to organise to defend our rights and oppose the unjust outlook of the students' community in Delhi.
It is clear that we can infuse fear in the mindset of other student communities what united action by an all North Eastern students can achieve. They have definite reason to fear. Almost 60 percent of students studying in Delhi are from the eight sister states of North Eastern India.
If the united strength of students' community can overthrow many government in every parts of the world, then the united struggle by North Eastern students will easily bring some reform in the student's welfare and security, specially focussing the problem of girl students.
Whether this time election could sustain its promise to safeguard the sentiments of the North East students had been in question from the beginning. We must support those student union that immediately realised how deep issue is the North East students facing daily.
Time is ripe for the Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram students to think and feel the same vibrant chord, uniting themselves to elect their representatives.
One who thinks of us, one who knows us what we want. Together we can do a lot in the politics of Delhi University elections. At least unite once to stand yourselves.
Students and youth have, of course, played a prominent role in many national liberation movements around the world and in some cases, student action was crucial in ending colonial oppression or changing the social outlook.
The unpardonable and atrocious judgement on the North East people is not an insurmountable task to eliminate forever. Our unity, courage and sacrifice stand distinct since the day we accepted Indian domination.
Solidarity cannot be confined to mere moral support. It must, on the one hand, seeks to confront those who judge us as outsider in India and, on the other hand, provide all necessary assistance to those struggling for educating ignorant mainland people. For this, students should not only mobilise for action on the campuses, but should promote action by all the people in their communities.
The new spirit which spread in the student communities during the civil rights struggle in the United States, the campaign against the war in Vietnam and the 'student revolt' of 1968, should not be sidelined.
From the late 1960s, black students played a crucial role in uniting all the black people against apartheid and its collaborators - and helped bring about the renewal of mass resistance with greater strength than ever before.
When the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid was established in 1963, and began to promote active United Nations encouragement of public action against apartheid, the international student community had already begun to play a significant role.
In Delhi University, majority of students are from North East. If they decided to cooperate in a common struggle and to build a wider unity, nothing can stop them. There won't be any harassment from other people.
Girls will be safer in a united group. Call those candidates that jostle for a seat in College election. Make them aware that we are united for solidarity, safeguarding and proving our potentials.
Make them understand how small communities can unite together to show the strengths. Go to vote for those who love and regard you this time. Once started, our unity will attract scores of public statements and sent numerous messages in support of our unity and solidarity from every group.
Let them depends on us, forever!
Mohen Naorem is currently working as an Assistant Editor in EFENBE
He writes regularly to e-pao.net.
You can contact him at [email protected]
This article was webcasted on 13th August 2005.
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