Kuki Students’ Organisation Rebuts NESO’s Allegations, Calls for Neutrality

New Delhi, Mar 6: The Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR (KSOD&NCR) has issued a strong rebuttal to the allegations made by the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) regarding the actions of security forces in Manipur. According to a press statement released by the KSOD&NCR, NESO’s claims, as reported by The Mokokchung Times on March 5, 2025, contain inconsistencies and risk escalating tensions in the region. According to the statement, NESO’s concerns about security forces must be viewed with a balanced perspective. “While we acknowledge NESO’s commitment to peace and stability in the Northeast, we find certain inconsistencies in its stance that require clarification,” the KSOD&NCR said.

The KSOD&NCR refuted the claims made by the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), which NESO had referenced in its statement. The organisation pointed out that several civil society groups, including KSO Sadar Hills, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), and the Kuki-Zo Council, have dismissed these allegations as unfounded and misleading. “These organizations have provided factual clarity, asserting that the allegations are unwarranted and risk escalating tensions rather than fostering peace,” the press statement noted. It further emphasized the need for all parties to “thoroughly verify information before amplifying claims that may contribute to discord.”

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The KSOD&NCR also raised concerns over what it described as NESO’s selective approach in addressing issues affecting the Northeast. The press release pointed out that security forces in the region have previously been accused of aiding insurgent groups, particularly the Th. Muivah-led NSCN-IM, but NESO had remained silent on these matters. “For instance, the Assam Rifles has been accused of facilitating the movement of NSCN-IM cadres, yet NESO has conspicuously ignored such reports,” the KSOD&NCR stated, adding that this inconsistency raises questions about NESO’s commitment to justice for all communities.

The KSOD&NCR further accused NESO of failing to speak out against violence and discrimination faced by Kuki students in Manipur. According to the statement, “There have been well-documented instances of targeted attacks on Kuki students in educational institutions, including Manipur University, forcing many to flee for their safety.” The statement highlighted that many Kuki students had been compelled to abandon their studies, and some had lost irreplaceable educational certificates due to the ongoing conflict. “NESO’s failure to acknowledge these serious concerns raises questions about its commitment to inclusivity and equal representation,” the organisation asserted.

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In its statement, the KSOD&NCR urged NESO to adopt a balanced, fact-based, and impartial approach to its advocacy. “Advocacy should not be driven by selective interests but by a genuine commitment to truth and justice for all communities,” the statement said. The organisation also encouraged NESO to engage in meaningful dialogue rather than amplifying narratives that deepen divisions. “Instead of fueling discord, we must work towards unity, peace, and long-term stability in the region,” it added.

The KSOD&NCR expressed disappointment over what it described as NESO’s influence by individuals with anti-Kuki sentiments. According to the statement, “Such manipulation of a student organization for nefarious purposes is unacceptable and must not be repeated in the future.” The press release called on NESO to adopt a holistic and unbiased approach, ensuring that all concerns are addressed without selective outrage. “As an influential student organization, NESO holds the responsibility to ensure fairness in its advocacy,” it said. The KSOD&NCR urged NESO to take a more inclusive and unbiased stance in addressing Manipur’s ongoing challenges. The statement was issued by the Department of Information and Publicity, Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi & NCR.

(This is a press release issued by the concerned authority on March 6)

The NESO consists of eight major student organizations, each representing one of the northeastern Indian states. They are All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Garo Students’ Union (GSU), All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), and Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF).