Nagaland government taking views of students studying in Manipur, says CM Rio

KOHIMA— Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said that he had discussed with the Health minister, Chief Secretary and the department concerned regarding students from the state who had to return home after violence hit Manipur last month.

Many students from Nagaland, including those pursuing medical courses in Manipur, were evacuated by the state government last month following unrest in the neighbouring state which has killed more than 100 people and damaged thousands of houses so far.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of his visit to the Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research (NIMSR) at Phriebagei on Tuesday, Rio said that he had discussed with the Health minister and other officials about the issue as the government needs to know whether the students were willing to go back to their institute to write their examinations or opt for other alternatives.

He said the situation in Manipur is still tense but under control, and that students have started returning to their colleges.

Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Vibeituonuo M Sachu informed that most students have gone back to Manipur to continue their studies, except three, adding that the department had called them personally as it cannot force them to go back other than taking their opinions.

Commissioner and Secretary of health and family, Y Kikheto Sema also said most of the students have gone back to their respective institutes. He added that examinations for students from Nagaland were postponed following request from the state government.

Don’t want to interfere — CM

When asked if he has issued any official statement on Manipur violence, Rio said he was very concerned by the ongoing unrest but ‘being a neighbouring state, I don’t want to interfere or make unnecessary comments’.

The CM had earlier expressed concern over the violence in the neighbouring state and appealed for peace.

“I am deeply disturbed by the unabated incidents of violence in Manipur. The loss of lives, property, and destruction of religious places must end. I fervently appeal to our brothers and sisters from our sister State to come together for peace,” he had tweeted.

I am deeply disturbed by the unabated incidents of violence in Manipur. The loss of lives, property, and destruction of religious places must end. I fervently appeal to our brothers and sisters from our sister State to come together for peace.

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) June 16, 2023

Also read: Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony formed in violence-hit Manipur for restoration of humanity