IMPHAL, September 5: As a mark of protest against the inhuman and discriminating treatment, both physically and mentally towards the people from the north east of India regardless of age, sex or profession, the North East Students` Organisation, NESO called a 12-hours “Total Bandh” starting from 5 am in the morning till 5 in the evening in all the six north eastern states.
A “Protest Rally” will be conducted in Guwahati in Assam and representatives from various state governments, organisation and institution from the north eastern states and besides other states from mainland India. A team from the state of Manipur, led by Thokchom Suresh, president, All Manipur Students Union, AMSU left Imphal today to participate in the protest rally tomorrow, Soibam Anil, information and publicity secretary, AMSU stated in a press release.
Various government representatives including, a cabinet minister of Meghalaya, deputy chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, official team of Tripura, two cabinet ministers from Nagaland, two more cabinet ministers from Mizoram, representatives of North East MP forum and several other ministerial and official team of Assam will join the protest rally, the statement said.
The statement also said, representatives from Maharastra, Karnataka and Andra Pradesh will be urged to give a committment and assurance that people from the north east of India will be taken care of and protection and prevention from any violent activities.
The “Total Bandh” called and spearheaded by NESO will be in effect in six north eastern states including, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura, the statement said and added, however the restrictions during the total bandh will be relaxed for essential services including medical, media/press and for people related to sacred or religious functions or occasions.
AMSU sternly warned that anyone working against or any disrutpion aimed at their regional agitation will be dealt appropriately, the state said and added, special action committee team, including district committee, branch committee and students` union were formed specifically and fully prepared for any consequences.
Meanwhile, AMSU lauded the state government of Manipur for their response and action taken up in view of the uncertainty faced by the students community in their academic career who were affected in the recent upheavel in certain parts of India against people from the north east.