Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
New Delhi: Hundreds of students from North East states, cutting across communities and tribes, urged the Central and State Government, for urgent restoration of Peace in Manipur and resettlement of internally displaced victims (IDPs) to their respective homes, highlighting that the 18 month crisis has severely impacted the students and youths of the state.
The Peaceful Protest titled ‘Save Manipur—No Compromise on Manipur’s Territorial Integrity’, organized by Delhi-based student and youth groups—Manipur Innovative Youth Organisation (MAIYOND) and United Kakching Students (UNIKAS) Delhi—echoed the voices of the public back home in Manipur yearning for peace and a united Manipur and reiterated that the Territorial and Administrative integrity of Manipur cannot be compromised in any manner or form. Representatives from North East Students Society, Delhi University joined the event to show solidarity and urged spoke at the event urging for unity among North East students in Delhi
We are deeply concerned about the future of our youths and students, the nation’s pillars. We are distraught that the Central and State Govt have simply not taken adequate measures to resolve the 18-month crisis, which they could have easily done if they were sincere in addressing the plight of 60,000 IDPs living in deplorable camps.
Speaking at the protest, Abhijit Chavda historian and Geopolitical analyst said, “Manipur’s peace and harmony are of paramount importance; and must be prioritized. The indigenous people must maintain unity by setting aside differences introduced as a result of the British occupation. Elements that seek to create anti-national sentiments must not be allowed to succeed. The Indian national interest and the interests of Manipur’s indigenous people are one and the same.
Col Kishore Chand (Retd) said, “Govt agencies have been working relentlessly to solve the burning issues and mitigate the hardship faced by the IDPs and victims of violence. We are confident that perpetrators of these heinous crimes will be brought to book and justice will be delivered to the wronged.” Other speakers at the event include, Col Shanti Kumar Sapam (Retd) Ms. Elizabeth Kh, Social Activist, Ms. Rajshree Kumari, Social Activist and Dr M Ojit Kumar Singh, Asst Professor, Delhi University.
MIAYOND and UNIKAS stand firm in our position that any form of division, whether territorial or ideological, only serves to weaken the fabric of society.
