The North East Students Organisation (NESO) has resolved to take proactive steps on a “war footing” against illegal infiltration of foreigners.
A statement from the organisation said that illegal infiltration by foreigners was a “very serious threat to the identity and security of the indigenous people” of the region.
The organisation during its sixth general conference which concluded today also reiterated that the revision process for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam was not “fully correct” and demanded that it be re-examined. It also called for undertaking NRC revision in all other Northeast states with appropriate cut-off years. At the same time, the organisation demanded the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) be repealed.
NESO said it would keep taking it up with the central and state governments.
“The House also unanimously adopted a resolution to demand a special constitutional safeguard for Tripura with vast federal authority. NESO and the people of the Northeast will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the indigenous people of Tripura to protect and uplift their identity, culture with rights over land and natural resources,” the organisation said.
Introduction of the inner-line permits in all Northeast states where it is not in force, implementation of provisions of the 1985 Assam Accord and repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act were the issues flagged at the conference.
The other demands of NESO are a separate time zone for the Northeast, declaration of flood and erosion in the region as a national problem, permanent resolution to inter-state boundary disputes and inclusion of the Kokborok, Khasi and Garo languages in the 8th schedule of the Constitution.
The conference also demanded more job-oriented courses and professional and technical institutes in the Northeast. It said education should be location-specific and that the curriculum should include the traditional values, culture, history and geography of the region.
The organisation also urged the central government to make Northeast a “special employment zone” and set up placement and employment exchange infrastructure across the region.
General secretary Sinam Prakash Singh, chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharjya, chairman Samuel B Jyrwa and secretary general Mutsikhoyo Yhobo were among the leaders of the conglomerate who attended the conference.
The NESO comprises the All Assam Students’ Union, Khasi Students’ Union, Garo Students’ Union, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, Naga Students’ Federation, All Manipur Students’ Union, Mizo Zirlai Pawl and the Aizawl Twipra Students’ Federation.
