Kohima, May 2 : The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) said the influx of immigrants poses a potential threat to the identity and culture of the region.
Speaking on the concluding day of the general conference of the Naga Students’ Federation at Pfutsero town in Phek district last evening, Neso chairman Samujjal Bhattacharyya cited the example of Tripura where of 38 lakh residents, only eight lakh were ethnic Tripuris.
He added that the demographic features of the state have changed, threatening the very existence of the indigenous communities.
The same problem has been found along the borders in Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Bhattacharyya said the organisation had appealed to the Centre for a separate Constitution for the Northeast.
“The problem of brain drain from the region can be solved only if new courses on technical education are started in the northeastern universities and colleges. Special economic packages to uplift education are an important need,” he said. He also appealed to the Centre to set up a special education commission for the Northeast.
Former NSF president Vikheho Swu said the people of the region should fight for their rights and also respect their neighbours’ rights.
Protest
More than 10,000 people gathered at the Clock Tower in Phek town yesterday in protest against the rape of a four-year-old girl by Ravohü, a 60-year-old policeman.
The rally was organised by Phek Area Mothers’ Association, NGOs and various organisations. The protesters also submitted a memorandum to Phek deputy commissioner Mikha Lomi, demanding arrest of the accused.
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