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WeSean Student Federation
AbbreviationWSF
Formation17 March 2024; 10 months ago (2024-03-17)
TypeStudent organisation
HeadquartersHRV5+3XX, Jowai Rd, Umpling, Shillong, Meghalaya 793009, India
Region served
Southeast Asia
President
Hirob Jyoti Sonowol
Vice President
Chandan Hazarika
General Secretary
Swapnil Dutta
President High School Branch (WHSF)
Joshua Hmar
Websiteweseanstudentfederation.github.io

The WeSean Student Federation (WSF) is a student organization representing students from the Northeastern India, Chittagong in Bangladesh and parts of Myanmar (Chin, Kachin and Naga areas of Sagaing).[1]

Etymology

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The term "Western Southeast Asia" (Wesea, for short) is a term used by the secessionist insurgent groups of Manipur to refer to northeast India.[2] Nine insurgent groups of the northeast are said to have come together to form "United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia" (UNLFW) in 2015, with the main ones being NSCN–Khaplang, ULFA–Independent, NDFB–Sangbijit and KLO.[3][4] The Manipur insurgent groups frequently issue statements referring to "Weseans" or "Wesean residents".[5]

The Naga Branch of WSF, the Wesean Naga Students Union issued a letter clarifying the usage of "Wesea" emphasises the desire for regional cooperation rather than a call for secession[6].[7]They said that it is to be seen as a framework to address shared challenges and foster development while respecting the diversity of ethnic and cultural identities within the region[8].

While the term has occasionally been associated with political and ideological movements in Northeastern India[9], organizations like the Wesean Student Federation emphasize its use in promoting education, social development, and cultural cooperation[10]. The WSF advocates for greater harmony among the region's communities and envisions "Wesea" as a platform for progress and mutual understanding[11][12].

About

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The WeSean Student Federation was established following a split from the Northeast Students' Organization, which is an umbrella body for multiple student groups in Northeastern India (NESO). The founding members cited concerns over NESO's focus on ethnocentric policies and perceived corruption. Additionally, they expressed opposition to the methods employed in NESO's protests, particularly those involving vandalism and damage to public property.[13] They sought to create a more inclusive platform for transnational[14] Wesean activism and unity[15].

The formation of WSF was also a response to NESO's perceived silence on pressing issues that significantly affect the socio-political and cultural fabric of the region, such as the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act of India and the revocation of the Frontier Regulation Act (FMR). These issues are critical as they raise concerns about the erosion of indigenous rights, demographic changes, and the loss of protections for historically marginalized communities in the Northeast.[16]

The WSF has been involved in efforts to promote cross-border unity among the people of the Wesean regions in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Transnational activism has included support for ethnic minorities in Myanmar against the military government to place WSF activities within a broader context of global youth activism. The WSF has also provided tangible support in the form of educational classes for Kachin students and pushing for change in local Northeast Indian governments to support cross-border ties.[17]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ EastMojo, Team (2024-11-04). "Wesean students back Mizoram CM's call for unity". EastMojo. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
  2. ^ Rezaul H. Laskar (24 April 2015), "Nine miltant groups of NE form united front with Chinese blessings", Hindustan Times, archived from the original on 26 April 2015
  3. ^ "NE rebel group front claims responsibility for Nagaland ambush". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2015. ProQuest 1678264398.
  4. ^ Banerjee, Amrita (2022), Women Security & Governance, Interdisciplinary Institute of Human Security & Governance, p. 111, ISBN 9788195515950
  5. ^ Manipur: 8 Insurgent Groups Announce Complete Shutdown on Independence Day, The Sentinel, 12 August 2024. ProQuest 3091474555
  6. ^ "Open Letter to the People of Wesea". nagalandpost.com. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
  7. ^ TIMES, MOKOKCHUNG (2024-08-12). ""Wesea" students issue urgent call for unity, peace, and progress » MokokchungTimes.com". mokokchungtimes.com. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
  8. ^ Shlem, Ka (2024-09-19). "Manipur : Khot ka seng KWSA bad ZWSU ia baroh ki Jaidbynriew ban ia im suk im sain lang". Kashlem. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
  9. ^ Banerjee, Amrita (2022), Women Security & Governance, Interdisciplinary Institute of Human Security & Governance, p. 111, ISBN 9788195515950
  10. ^ TIMES, MOKOKCHUNG (2024-08-12). ""Wesea" students issue urgent call for unity, peace, and progress » MokokchungTimes.com". mokokchungtimes.com. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
  11. ^ "WBSU calls for unity and peace in Wesea region". MorungExpress. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
  12. ^ Network, Hub (2024-09-19). "Manipur student bodies call for peaceful coexistence to rebuild the State". Hub News. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
  13. ^ Reporter, By Our (2024-08-09). "Assam group backs worship ban, flays 'blockade' threat". The Shillong Times. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
  14. ^ "Wesean Naga Students' Union urges people to celebrate both Naga Independence Day and Indian Independence Day", Thingkho Le Malcha, 12 August 2024
  15. ^ Lyngdoh, Badandor (2024-08-25). "Wesean Student Federation: A Revolutionary Step Toward Unity in Northeast India". Round Table India. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  16. ^ ""Wesea" students issue urgent call for unity, peace, and progress » MokokchungTimes.com". mokokchungtimes.com. 2024-08-12. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
  17. ^ Haokip, John (2024-12-30). "Transnational Activism and Identity Formation: The Role of the Wesean Student Federation in Supporting Democratic Movements in Myanmar". Dera Natung Government College Research Journal. 9 (1): 91–104. doi:10.56405/dngcrj.2024.09.01.08 (inactive 11 January 2025). ISSN 2583-5483.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2025 (link)
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