Influx, Manipur unrest dominate NESO meet
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 07 2025: North East Students' Organisation (NESO) has reiterated its long-standing concern over illegal immigration and the ongoing unrest in Manipur, calling on the Union government to take immediate, concrete action to address both issues.

The matters were key points of discussion at the NESO Executive Meeting held on Wednesday in Guwahati, hosted by All Assam Students' Union (AASU) .

In a press release issued Wednesday, NESO said that the meeting brought together representatives from its component organisations across the region to deliberate on both state-specific and region-wide issues.

The problem of illegal immigration in the North East, compounded by inadequate border fencing, and the prolonged conflict in Manipur were identified as pressing concerns threatening the demographic balance and stability of the region.

The organisation expressed "deep concern" over the fact that many illegal immigrants have managed to obtain valid identification documents like Aadhaar and Voter ID cards, enabling them to claim citizenship rights.

NESO said that this situation has become "deeply worrying" for the indigenous communities of the less-populated North Eastern states and warned that the region risks losing its native population if such issues are not urgently addressed.

NESO strongly advocated for a region-wide NRC (National Register of Citizens) exercise, along with a re-verification of existing documents to detect and deport illegal immigrants.

Reviewing the NRC process carried out in Assam in 2019, AASU members noted that poor implementation had failed to resolve the issue of illegal immigration in the state.

NESO resolved to renew pressure on the government to complete border fencing and initiate NRCs across all North Eastern states.

The meeting also focused on the continuing unrest in Manipur, which has persisted for over two years.

NESO said that the situation remains unresolved and urged the Union government to take immediate steps to restore peace after first "understanding the true nature and origin" of the crisis.

Representatives from Manipur, including NESO advisor Sinam Prakash, assistant general secretary Wangjam Sanatomba, coordinator Prikeshwor Moirangthem, and Lukram Malangba, attended the meeting and shared their perspectives on the crisis.

The executives passed six resolutions, including a plan to intensify NESO's advocacy for deporting illegal migrants, implementing NRC across the region, and accelerating border fencing efforts.

It was also decided that NESO will sponsor at least two students from each North Eastern state annually, Starting September 1 this year, for free coaching at the Next IAS Academy in Delhi, to help indigenous youth enter the civil and police services.

As part of its campaign, NESO announced a sit-in protest On August 18 in the capital cities of all North Eastern states.

Memoranda highlighting the region's unresolved issues will be submitted to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the chief ministers and governors of the respective states.

Only a collective and region-wide approach can safeguard the rights and identity of the indigenous peoples of the North East, the statement added.

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