Morung Express News
KOHIMA | JUNE 27
The North East Students Organization (NESO), which went last week to New Delhi carrying with it vital issues confronting the region, returned home after having a 'fruitful interaction,' and receiving positive note from the latter, according to NESO officials.
The 20-member delegation comprising of NESO officials and representatives of its constituent units, met Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patel, Tribal Welfare Minister PR Kyndiah and leader of Opposition, LK Advani. The delegation had a cordial interaction on the various issues, which was included in a memorandum submitted by the organization to the Prime Minister.
NESO General Secretary, NSN Lotha and Naga Students Federation (NSF) General Secretary K Elu Ndang speaking to the media today said that the delegation had a fruitful interaction with the Prime Minister, who reportedly told the team that the organization could play an important role in the peace process as well as for the development of the region.
Lotha said that the delegation submitted an 8-points charter of demands for immediate redress. The charter included demands regarding education policy and human-resource development, comprehensive policy for illegal immigrants and refugees, economic package and infrastructure development, employment policy, inter-state boundary issues, cellular service matters in the North East region and special constitutional status for the people of the NE states.
Further, the Prime Minister assured the delegation that he would look into the issue of non-availability of roaming facility for pre-paid cellular service consumers.
Leader of Opposition LK Advani also appreciated what he is purportedly termed the NESO as a unique alliance of NE student organizations under the banner of NESO.He is reported to have admitted that New Delhi has not addressed problems related to the North East Region with all seriousness because of the factor of distance.
NSN Lotha also said the Home Minister impressed upon the delegation on the rich bio-genetic wealth of the region, and assured that if the resources are to be developed, the Centre is willing to provide any amount of financial help. However, the students’ body rejected the idea, except for the studies on plants and animals.
PR Kyndiah, Tribal Welfare Minister also assured the delegation to provide library facilities to all the NE states at the earliest, besides looking into other educational problems faced by the region, Lotha said.
The demand for setting up of an administrative office to cater to the 'Look East Policy,' which is being proposed to be set up in Kolkata and special constitutional status for the people of the North East region were deliberated. However, they could not get any assurance from the Centre on these issues, Lotha informed.
