NESO asks PM to break his silence and visit violence-hit Manipur

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 12, 2024

The North East Students’ Organization (NESO) on Thursday asked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence and visit Manipur, which has witnessed violence for an alarming 16 months.

In a letter shot to Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NESO has also demanded the immediate appointment of a high-level peace committee to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution for Manipur.

“We urge the Hon’ble Prime Minister to break his silence and visit Manipur to assess the ground situation personally and to provide security to the civilian population of both the communities especially women and children who are the most vulnerable section in this type of conflict. The people of Manipur need to see that their suffering is acknowledged and that concrete actions are being taken to resolve the conflict,” NESO chairman Samuel B Jyrwa said in the letter.

He said the prolonged silence of the Prime Minister, who has yet to visit Manipur since the violence erupted, has only served to aggravate the crisis. The absence of strong, timely leadership and intervention has allowed the conflict to fester, further escalating the violence and suffering endured by the people.

“The situation in Manipur is dire, and it demands immediate attention from the highest levels of  government. The failure to address the conflict not only undermines the stability of Manipur but also poses a threat to the broader peace and security of the entire North East region. NESO calls upon the Government of India to act without further delay and take concrete steps to restore peace in the state,” Jyrwa said.

“NESO also calls for the appointment of a high-level peace committee, involving representatives from all communities, to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution,” he also added.

Further, the NESO chief said this prolonged conflict has resulted in the tragic loss of  countless innocent lives, widespread destruction of property, and created an atmosphere of fear and instability throughout the state.

“NESO condemns these acts of violence in the strongest terms, as they are deplorable and run counter to the principles of humanity, peace, and coexistence. The escalation of violence, including recent reports of drone and missile strikes, has further exacerbated the already fragile situation. Such tactics not only intensify the devastation but also deepen the divide between communities, making the prospect of peace even more elusive. NESO stands in solidarity with all affected individuals and families, mourning the innocent lives lost and acknowledging the profound suffering that this prolonged conflict has caused,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jyrwa said that NESO reaffirms its commitment to peace and justice in Manipur and the entire  North East region.

“We believe that violence can never be the solution to any conflict, and we call upon all communities and stakeholders to embrace dialogue and work together towards restoring peace. NESO stands ready to assist in any constructive efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis and ensure a stable, secure future for Manipur,” he stated.