Guwahati: The Wesean Student Federation (WSF) has expressed strong support for Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s recent call for the right to self-determination and increased unity with related communities across borders.
In a statement, the WSF criticised what it perceives as India’s selective approach to the concept of “unity in diversity,” calling for a more inclusive recognition of regional identities within the country.
In their statement, WSF leaders highlighted what they see as contradictions in India’s response to various movements for cultural unification. “Why is it that, when certain ideals of unification are promoted, we are told to stand by in reverence, but when we seek unity amongst our own people, we are branded as threats?” they questioned.
The WSF raised concerns over policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which, according to the organisation, welcome “persecuted minorities.”
“In reality, it selectively prioritised certain communities from across borders while purposefully marginalising Weseans in our own homeland. Our own indigenous populations are expected to accommodate demographic shifts that do not consider our heritage or values. Isn’t it ironic that India would gladly alter our region’s demographics by bringing in “Bengalis” while being outraged if we seek solidarity with our own? Also let’s not forget how India secretly struck a pact with Myanmar, gifting them the Kabaw valley, without consulting the then elected members of Manipur’s Parliament, which then was not a part of India,” they said.
The WSF voiced criticism over longstanding security measures in the Northeast, specifically pointing to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which they argued has led to residents in the region being treated more as threats than citizens. WSF representatives claimed that policies like AFSPA have subdued rather than protected the people, questioning whether India’s aspirations for peace and integration align with such actions. They expressed concerns that these measures often silence, surveil, and restrict the local population, asking whether this truly reflects a spirit of “unity.”
“If India genuinely seeks unity, it must begin by respecting the voices and aspirations of the Wesean people. Weseans have long maintained ties with those across borders, and these connections are neither recent nor trivial- These ties are much older than even the concept of India. We are united by centuries of shared traditions, languages, and cultural practices—bonds that no artificial boundary can erase. What we seek is to reinforce these connections, to stand strong with our people and preserve our heritage. Why should we be forcefully assimilated into India? Our history is unique, and before the British came we had nothing to do with India. Isn’t it the right of every community to uphold its cultural bonds?” they added.
The WSF urged India to address what they called its “own contradictions” in its approach to national unity, stating that genuine unity cannot be imposed from above or achieved by erasing regional identities. They argued that if the vision of Akhand Bharat can embrace expansive aspirations, then the Wesean vision for unity and solidarity across borders should not be viewed as a threat.
Also Read | Mizoram CM Lalduhoma cites Zo unity as key reason for U.S. visit