Dimapur, June 26 (MExN): Even as the Government of India tries to give an impetus to the Look East policy in the region, the North East Students' Organisation (NESO) has appealed to Government of India to review its policies in the North East Region and at the same time put forth certain issues to the Indian Government and urged for its redress.
A representation submitted by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO) the Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, while urging the Minister,highlighted some issues that have been been raised by the NESO in the past.
It stated that the youth and students of the North East region in particular and the indigenous peoples of this region in general, after having serious consideration over our future in terms of their political and economic rights are concerned over the implementation of the Look East Policy.
The NESO pointed out that the Look East Policy having termed the North East Region as East West – Corridor, minus its people and the subsequent establishment of most of the economic hubs outside the region has resulted in further marginalization and isolation of the people in term of policy and decision-making; implementation and benefits thereof.
The NESO stated that the long standing burning issues concerning the people of the region remains unattended either in term of implementation or willingness to address the issues as a concern of the country by the authorities in New Delhi resulting in keeping the region most backward and undeveloped in spite of having rich natural and human resources
The NESO also raised its concern that the ‘the Peoples' Movement vis-à-vis the Peace processes’ in the region for a negotiated settlement remains elusive.
In this regard, the NESO pointed out that the prolonged suppression of people’s movement through the use of armed forces and imposition of draconian laws has resulted in serious violation of human rights including social and democratic rights.
Also highlighting the influx of illegal migrants in the region, the NESO stated that the problem of unabated illegal influx in the region and its serious implications on the people of the region remains neglected including the problem of unsettled issue of refugees settled in North East e.g. Chakma Hajong etc despite the appeal for many decades.
The problem has serious implications not only on demographic and democratic representation but also on several other aspects, the NESO stated.
Pointing out the unclear policies with regard to Myanmar, the NESO stated that the fluctuating policy of India towards Burma ever since democracy was high jacked by the military junta, is considered a serious threat to the security and economic stability of the region as it has serious concern on rampant abuse of human rights vis-à-vis restoration of Democracy in that country.
The NESO also expressed its concern about the unplanned and unsystematic developmental activities being undertaken in the region and in this regard, it stated “the Fast Tract development vis-à-vis Fast Tract destruction of environment and its rich biodiversity is a serious concern”.
The NESO stated that the various projects prepared, and implemented in collaboration with several International Financial Institutions and its impact on social, environment and human rights is a threat to the survival of the people of the region.
Furthermore, the NESO stated that interest of the youth and the people of the region having scope for equal participation in term of decision making or benefit sharing finds no space under the policy resulting in further alienation and isolation of the region.
In this connection, the NESO urged the Government of India to review its policies in the North East Region by giving priority with clear policy and its willingness in solving the peoples long standing issues and movements, which could usher in an era of peace and development in the region.
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