GUWAHATI: A delegation from the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has arrived in Manipur for a three-day tour. Their visit primarily aims to meet the victims of the recent ethnic clashes and visit relief camps in the region.
The delegation, comprising 19 members, is being led by NESO President Samuel B Jyrwa, Secretary General Mutsikhyo Yhobo, and Chief Adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharjya. During their stay in the state, the group plans to meet with Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Utpal Sarma, President of All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and a member of NESO, expressed their mission of promoting peace and goodwill during this visit. Sarma shared that NESO’s constituents, All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) and Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), have already established communication with the Meitei and Kuki communities, respectively.
Upon reaching Imphal from Guwahati on August 2, the delegation visited three relief camps in Bishnupur and Imphal East districts, where they met with people from the Meitei community seeking refuge.
Their itinerary also includes plans to visit relief camps in Churachandpur to meet the Kuki sufferers. Additionally, they aim to engage in discussions with various civil society groups from both communities, seeking a peaceful solution to the ethnic clashes.
The delegation has also sought appointments to meet with the governor and the chief minister to further discuss their efforts. Bhattacharjya emphasised the need for a special healing touch and confidence-building measures to address the deep wounds and mistrust between the two communities caused by the ethnic clashes.
Since the clashes erupted in the state on May 3, more than 160 people have lost their lives, and several hundreds have been injured. The Meiteis account for about 53% of Manipur’s population and reside predominantly in the Imphal Valley, while the Nagas and Kukis, constituting a little over 40%, reside in the hill districts.
