Manipuris discuss militancy's impact on development

Imphal, March 17 : People from various walks of life in Manipur participated in a workshop to discuss the impact of insurgency on development in the State.

The discussion titled "Voices from Manipur on Peace and Development: Intervention in a Globalizing World" was organized at the Political Science department of Manipur University.

Participants in workshop included students, businessmen, professionals, government servants and sports persons. They were unanimous that insurgency-related violence had assumed alarming proportions and affecting the development of the State.

They expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur at a time when the globalized world was offering myriad development opportunities. It was felt that there was need to curb militancy to promote development .

Bimola Devi, the Head of Department of Political Sciences in Manipur University, said: "It is important to look after the need of common people, to look at the interests of all sections of the people in Manipur ." r. K. Leiren Singh said: "People are upset with the highhandedness of militant groups. Women, schoolchildren, sportspersons and businessmen have been coming out strongly against the demands for extortion made by militants and the subsequent disruption of normal life."

Participants in the seminar felt that there was a strong need to find a way out of the present situation in the State.

N. Binoy Singh, the President of the Senior Citizen Society, said: "Once the insurgency problem is solved, development will become possible. We are living in darkness. We want light. We want to be rescued from this situation."

The day-long workshop saw intensive inter-action among faculty and students. The participants were keen that a way should be found to bring a semblance of normalcy in the State."

Manipuris are desperately seeking a way out of the spiraling violence in the State to enable the State to seek the benefits of a globalised world. The State is not able to fully utilize funds sanctioned for economic development. No industry is coming up in the State and the existing infrastructure is crumbling. The education system is not able to nourish bright students.

The Manipuris hope intensely for a better tomorrow, as was clear at the workshop. y L.C.K.Singh

ANI