Students 'rouse' Delhi with call for normalcy

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 29 : Highlighting that the 18 month crisis in Manipur has severely impacted the students and youths of the State, hundreds of students from North East States, cutting across communities and tribes, urged the Centre and the State Government, to restore peace in Manipur and resettle the internally displaced victims (IDPs) to their respective homes at the earliest.
The peaceful protest titled ‘Save Manipur—No Compromise on Manipur’s Territorial Integrity’ was organized by Delhi-based student and youth groups—Manipur Innovative Youth Organisation (MAIYOND) and United Kakching Students (UNIKAS) Delhi.
A joint press release issued by MAIYOND and UNIKAS said the protest echoed the voices of the public back home in Manipur who yearn for peace, normalcy and a united Manipur.
They also said that the territorial and administrative integrity of Manipur cannot be compromised in any manner or form.
Representatives from North East Students Society, Delhi University joined the event to show solidarity and urged for unity among North East students in Delhi.
"We are deeply concerned about the future of our youths and students, the Nation's pillars. We are distraught that the Central and State Government have simply not taken adequate measures to resolve the 18-month crisis, which they could have easily done if they were sincere in addressing the plight of 60,000 IDPs living in deplorable camps," read the statement.
Speaking at the protest, Abhijit Chavda, a Historian and Geopolitical analyst said Manipur’s peace and harmony are of paramount importance and must be prioritized.
Saying that the indigenous people must maintain unity by setting aside differences, he added that elements which seek to create anti-National sentiments must not be allowed to succeed.
The Indian National interest and the interests of Manipur’s indigenous people are one and the same, he also said.
Colonel Kishore Chand (retired), on the other hand, said that Government agencies have been working relentlessly to solve the burning issues and mitigate the hardship being faced by the IDPs.
He exuded confidence that perpetrators of heinous crimes will be brought to book and justice will be delivered to the wronged.