NESO Questions PM Modi's Silence on Manipur Violence, Points to ‘Hidden Agenda’

The Northeast Students’ Organisation (NESO) criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for maintaining silence on the ongoing violence in Manipur and accused the Centre of “harbouring a hidden agenda behind Manipur violence”.

NESO Chairman Samuel Jyrwa expressed his shock and disappointment at the prime minister's lack of response, despite the mayhem persisting for nearly two months.

"It is surprising and shocking that the prime minister of the country, who used to be very active in commenting on any issues affecting the different states of the country, is still silent even after nearly two months of mayhem in Manipur," NESO Chairman Samuel Jyrwa was quoted as saying in a report in Northeast Now.

Jyrwa called upon Prime Minister Modi to address the issue and take proactive measures to stop the violence and resolve the underlying problems. Concerned about the escalating situation, the organisation also appealed for peace in the violence-affected state of Manipur.

"As an organisation representing all the Northeast states, it is high time that peace should be restored in Manipur," he said.

The students' organisations organised a candlelight vigil in Khyndai Lad on June 28 evening which was attended by people from different organisations, according to a report by The Meghalayan.

Speaking to reporters during the candlelight vigil, Samuel Jyrwa expressed his belief that if the violence is not halted immediately, it “indicates a hidden agenda by external forces”.

"We feel that if the violence is not stopped at this very moment, it shows that the government of India has a hidden agenda in allowing the violence to continue in the state of Manipur. We do not know the hidden agenda, but there may be designs by outside forces inimical to the interest of the indigenous people of North East India," he was quoted as saying.

Expressing disappointment with both the state and central governments, Jyrwa criticised their failure to contain the violence in Manipur. He pointed out that despite the presence of over 50,000 troops in the state, the government's efforts have been insufficient to control the situation, raising serious questions about the armed forces' capability to maintain peace.

In an attempt to bring about harmony, he announced that the organisation would be meeting with Meitei and Kuki groups.

The event was attended by representatives of various student organisations from Garo Hills, including the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), the Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), and the BJP MDC from Tura, Bernard N Marak, according to The Meghalayan.

Similar programmes were organised by NESO across the Northeastern states – Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur.

 Earlier, Lambokstarwell Marngar, president of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), had highlighted the dangers of conflicts among groups in the Northeast. He warned that such conflicts could give an advantage to non-indigenous people.