NESO petitions PM, HM on Manipur crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 12 2024: The North East Students' Organisation (NESO), representing student bodies of the seven north eastern states, has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah, expressing anguish and concern over the ongoing violence in Manipur which has resulted in numerous deaths, destruction of property, and widespread fear and instability across the state.

The memorandum, signed by leaders of eight student organisations of the seven states that make up NESO expressed strong condemnation of the violence.

NESO emphasised that such acts of violence are deplorable and go against the very principles of humanity, peace, and coexistence.

The memorandum specifically highlighted the recent escalation in violence, including reports of drone and missile strikes, which have further exacerbated the already tense situation in Manipur.

These tactics, NESO warned, are not only intensifying the destruction but are also deepening the divide between the different communities in the state, making the path to peace even more difficult to achieve.

NESO stands in solidarity with all affected individuals and families, and acknowledges suffering and loss that the people of Manipur have endured, the memorandum said.

NESO reaffirmed its belief that constructive dialogue is the only way forward to resolve the crisis in Manipur and called for a peaceful resolution, emphasising that the rights, aspirations, and dignity of every individual involved must be respected and upheld.

According to NESO, the people of Manipur deserve peace, which can only be achieved through mutual understanding and a commitment to non-violence.

Despite the ongoing crisis, NESO expressed disappointment over the lack of decisive response from the Government of India along with pointing out that despite consistent appeals to the central government and the Prime Minister for intervention, their worries have not been addressed.

NESO raised concern that the Prime Minister is yet to visit Manipur since the violence erupted, with such prolonged silence only aggravating the situation.

The memorandum took a critical tone towards the Central government's handling of the crisis, emphasising that the absence of strong and timely leadership has allowed the conflict to escalate further.

NESO urged PM Modi to break his silence and personally visit Manipur to assess the ground situation.

It stressed the need for the Central government to provide security to the civilian population, especially women and children, who are the most vulnerable in such conflicts.

"The situation in Manipur is dire and demands immediate attention from the highest levels of government," the memorandum stated, warning that the failure to address the ongoing violence not only undermines Manipur's stability but also poses a threat to the broader peace and security of the entire North East region.

As part of their recommendations, NESO called for the appointment of a high-level peace committee that includes representatives from all communities involved in the conflict.

According to NESO, such a committee would facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution to the violence.

NESO reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace and justice in both Manipur and the broader North East region and called upon all communities and stakeholders to embrace dialogue and reject violence as a means of resolving the conflict.

It also expressed readiness to assist in any constructive efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability back to Manipur, stressing that violence is never the solution to any conflict.

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