A conglomeration of student bodies in New Delhi have issued an appeal to restore normalcy by protecting lives, safeguarding property, allowing for the return of refugees and to combat disinformation in Manipur.
The joint statement was signed by representatives of Tripura, Naga, Bodo, Garo, Khasis, Manipur Muslims, Assamese and a joint North East organisations.
The humanitarian crisis brought about by the recent violence in Manipur is “deeply concerning” and requires effective intervention by the state, the signatories said.
“We are deeply anguished by the many lives that have been lost, the many that have been rendered homeless and the many that are now struggling for access to essential needs as a result of the violent conflict that has erupted in our sister state of Manipur,” it added while denouncing the central and state governments for their “failure” to act promptly before the situation escalated out of control.
“The great destruction that has been wrought upon the state and its people could have been prevented had the state acted expediently. However, going forward, we remain hopeful that the concerned governments shall act appropriately with the requisite promptitude to safeguard the people,” the statement continued while calling for measures that prevent any further loss of life and destruction of property.
It also called for the evacuation of citizens from volatile areas, access to basic facilities in shelters and rehabilitation of displaced persons as expeditiously as possible.
The conglomeration also criticised what it described as “false narratives” by certain sections of the media.
