GUWAHATI: The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), the apex student body of the region, has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence and personally visit Manipur to address the ongoing crisis. NESO’s appeal comes amidst fresh escalations in violence and growing concerns over the lack of decisive leadership.
In a memorandum sent to both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, NESO emphasized the urgent need for the Prime Minister to assess the situation on the ground. The organization expressed disappointment over the government’s delayed response and the absence of prompt intervention, which has allowed the conflict to persist and worsen.
“We urge the Hon’ble PM to visit Manipur to see the situation firsthand and provide security to the civilian population, particularly women and children, who are the most vulnerable. The people of Manipur need to see their suffering acknowledged and concrete actions taken to resolve the conflict,” NESO Chairman Samuel Jyrwa and Secretary General Mutsikhoyo Yhobu stated in the memorandum.
Despite repeated appeals for intervention, NESO has criticized the government for its “disturbing lack of response.” The memorandum highlights how the PM’s prolonged silence and absence since the outbreak of violence have contributed to the escalation of the crisis. Recent reports of drone and missile strikes have further intensified the conflict and deepened the divide between communities, making peace seem even more distant.
NESO has also proposed the formation of a high-level peace committee with representatives from all communities to work towards a lasting resolution. “Violence cannot solve conflicts. We call on all communities and stakeholders to engage in dialogue and work together to restore peace,” the organization stated.
The situation in Manipur is described as dire, with NESO warning that the ongoing conflict threatens not only the stability of Manipur but also the broader peace and security of the entire Northeast region. The organization is urging the Government of India to act immediately and take concrete steps to restore peace in the state.
NESO comprises eight student bodies representing the seven states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Garo Students’ Union (GSU), All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), and Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF).