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KOHIMA — The Naga Students' Union (NSF), under the aegis of North East Students' Organisation (NESO), on Thursday organised a ‘Demonstration for permanent peace in Manipur’ at Raj Bhavan area in Kohima.
Addressing the rally, NSF vice president, Mteisuding, said the demonstration was held to offer prayers in remembrance of neighbouring Manipur state, where violence has claimed numerous lives and caused immeasurable suffering for the past six months.
The NSF leader said the demonstrators have gathered to call for peace amongst all the conflicting parties, to take up necessary steps to promote reconciliation, as well as to demonstrate their resentment against the “inadequacy” of the Government of India (GoI) to put an end to the cycle of violence.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]“We believe that it is our moral responsibility to raise our voices against this strife and to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the many months of bloodshed and violence," Mteisuding said.
He affirmed that their call for peace was a plea for humanity to prevail across all socio-economic, political and cultural spectrums in the entire Northeast region.
The ongoing conflict in Manipur has caused immeasurable pain and suffering, not only to those involved but also to the entire region, he said.
Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and the social fabric of the region torn apart, Mteisuding said and added that the ongoing violence also threatens to erode the peace and stability that should be the birthright of every citizen.
The NSF leader also alleged that despite the pleas and cries for help from the affected communities, the GoI has been disappointingly inactive in ceasing this violence.
He went on to say that the Northeast region has often felt neglected and marginalised in the broader context and that the lack of a swift and meaningful response to the crisis has only prolonged the ongoing violence.
Calling upon all the stakeholders to prioritise peace and dialogue to resolve the Manipur crisis, the federation also urged the conflicting communities to come together and seek common ground for lasting peace in the region.
The NSF further appealed to the GoI to take immediate and concrete steps and provide necessary support and resources to facilitate peace talks and other peace-building efforts.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]"We stand together, as citizens and as responsible members of our society, to demand an immediate end to the violence and a genuine commitment to peace from all stakeholders," Mteisuding said.
"Let everyone of us be reminded that peace is not just the absence of differences; it is the presence of justice, equality, and respect for one another….It is our hope and our vision, and it is within our reach if we are determined and united," he added.
Secretary general of NESO, Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, demanded that the GoI should not play politics over innocent lives but show sincerity and take necessary actions to stop all violence in Manipur.
Informing that the demonstration is being held all across the northeastern states to call for peace among the conflicting groups, Yhobu urged the Prime Minister of India to speak up on the issue.
Coordinator of NESO, Ejanthung Ngullie, urged for the participation of all individuals to foster peace and work towards ushering peace in the state of Manipur.
Imtiyapang Imsong, former general secretary of NSF, appealed to all concerned citizens across the Northeast to forge a unified stand and voice out their desire for peace and normalcy in the state of Manipur and the entire region.
He affirmed that the Northeast people will not remain silent until peace is brought about in Manipur.
Kegwayhun Tep, former NSF president, also expressed concern for the students whose careers were affected by the conflict.