Chumoukedima, Nagaland, September 11 (HBTV): The North East Students' Organization (NESO) has asked the prime minister of India Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene in the ongoing violence in Manipur, which has persisted for an alarming 16 months.   

In a representation addressed to Modi and Shah, the NESO stated that the 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.   

‘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,’ the NESO stated.

‘Time and again, NESO has appealed to the government of India and the prime minister to intervene decisively in this matter. However, despite the urgency of the situation, there has been a disturbing lack of response,’ the organization stated.   

‘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 NESO stated.   

Reminding that the situation in Manipur is dire, demanding immediate attention from the highest levels of the government, the NESO stated that 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.   

The statement read: ‘NESO calls upon the Government of India to act without further delay and take concrete steps to restore peace in the state. 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, the NESO stated.   

The NESO also called for the appointment of a high-level peace committee, involving representatives from all communities, to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution.