Imphal, Jun 26 (IANS): The North East Students Organisation (NESO), an apex body of eight students’ associations of seven northeastern states, would hold candlelight vigils in all state capitals of the northeast on June 28 in solidarity with the people of Manipur.

NESO Chairman Samuel B. Jyrwa called for immediate steps to restore normalcy in strife-torn Manipur.

While condemning the ongoing violence in Manipur following a meeting in Guwahati, NESO chairman said that candlelight vigils would be held in all state capitals of the northeastern states on June 28 to express solidarity with the distressed people of Manipur.

The NESO also accused the Center and the Manipur Government of failing to tackle the situation.

The NESO earlier condemned the Manipur government's action evicting the indigenous settlers belonging to the Zo community and the violent incidents that followed.

“The tribals were evicted on the pretext that they are settling on reserve forest whereas the fact is that these indigenous settlers have been residing in these areas for ages.

“The government of Manipur has to take into account that these are the indigenous communities of northeast and have inhabited these lands from their forefathers and they are not illegal immigrants from Nepal or Bangladesh,” NESO Chairman had said.