Shillong, August 4 : A delegation from the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) visited Manipur on a goodwill mission from August 1 to 3, 2023. The delegation met with displaced persons, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government officials in an effort to promote peace and harmony in the state.
On the first day of their visit, the NESO delegation visited three relief camps housing displaced Meiteis in Moirang village, Bishnupur District, Bishnupur town, and Ideal Girls College in Imphal. They interacted with many displaced Meiteis from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts, including women, children, and the elderly.
On the second day, the NESO team traveled from Imphal to Churachandpur (Lamka), passing through many affected villages where there is a huge military presence without any civilians. The NESO delegation was received by leaders of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF), and others in Kangvai village.
In Churachandpur (Lamka) town, NESO met the CSOs of the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities. Discussions were held at length with these groups. Afterwards, the delegation, along with the students’ bodies, visited a relief camp for displaced Zo persons. The displaced Zos are mostly from Imphal, Bishnupur and other districts.
The delegation were able to visit only one relief camp for the Zo people and they had to leave the area due to tension along the Churachandpur-Bishnupur border. In the evening, NESO met the Governor of Manipur and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through her.
On the third day, the NESO delegation had a meeting with Meitei CSOs. They also met with the Chief Minister of Manipur and issued a press statement in Imphal.
The NESO delegation expressed their concern about the situation in Manipur and called for peace and harmony in the state. They also urged the government to take steps to address the root causes of the conflict.
The NESO delegation’s visit was a positive step in the efforts to promote peace and harmony in Manipur. Their interactions with displaced persons, CSOs, and government officials will hopefully help to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
