Imphal, February 9 (MExN): The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) have stated that they will work in solidarity for a “common cause”.
In a joint press release appended by ANSAM President, Seth Shatsang, and DESAM President, M. Angamba Meitei, the two bodies affirmed the coming together as the beginning of the journey to address the “historically rooted injustices” and search for peaceful co-existence firmly founded on a vision for just peace.
The joint statement informed that the decision was the result of three rounds of meetings viz., Dated January 17, 2016, January 19, 2016, and February 9, 2016 at Imphal. Representatives of the two organizations shared on various issues pertaining to different communities living in the present state of Manipur and the following understanding was arrived, it informed.
“Our solidarity alone cannot withstand the divisive policy of the State if it is not driven by the conviction and thirst for truth and justice and guided by principles of mutual respect and common sympathy. It is also therefore important to establish mutually acceptable terms for political and social cooperation,” the two student bodies asserted.
Making its vision points known, ANSAM and DESAM stated that it seeks to gain deeper understanding on the issues affecting different communities living in the state “in their respective experiences, perspectives and challenges” through dialogue and conversations with all stakeholders; to reflect on the process of how people from different backgrounds and settings who seek understanding, cooperation and solidarity with each other can build up relationships and goodwill to effectively work on issues of common concerns; and to explore avenues to work for peace, justice and development of all sections of society.
“The binding foundation of this understanding is the respect for the legitimate political aspiration of every community and the sincere desire to jointly address issues of common concerns so that the youth and students in particular and society at large will have healthy space for peaceful and mutually enriching coexistence,” the student bodies maintained.
Stating that to achieve and nurture these goals, all concern will refrain from expressing, either in public speeches or statements, views which are detrimental or divergent to the spirit of understanding, ANSAM and DESAM vowed that they will work together “with commitment” for the common interest of different communities in the state.
The meeting also agreed to focus on giving an effort to ensure quality education in the state whereby both the student bodies shall work on identifying the issues and shortages within the given provision and guidelines under the New Education Policy of India.
Keeping in mind the various issues and as a first step towards the future, ANSAM and DESAM stated that they will begin their journey with a campaign for Fair conduct of examination in the forthcoming HSSLC & HSLC Examination 2016 which is set to commence from February 22 and March 1 respectively.
In this regard, ANSAM and DESAM have sought the cooperation of all.
