Conflict resolution seminar discusses ethnicity, alienation in Manipur

Imphal, Mar 25 (ANI): For the first time in the north east region, a seminar on 'conflict resolution' was held in Manipur recently.

The discussion analyzed root cause of militancy and tried to find measures for permanent solution to bring peace to the region.

The initiative of organizing the one-day seminar on "Conflict Resolution in Manipur" was taken up by the Red Shield Division (57 Mountain Division) at Leimakhong in Manipur.

Besides defense personnel who were present in large number, politicians, intellectuals, academicians and social activists from various communities attended the seminar to present their perspectives on militancy and other related problems engulfing the state as a step forward to conflict resolution.

"Manipur is also a part of India. Whatever is happening in other states of the country can also happen in Manipur. So, we have to be prepared. We have to understand the situation whatever political development has to take place in the state, it has to be in the line of constitution," said Mani Charenamai, former MP.

"Peace is a slow process. Finally, leading to a finer solution. Conflicts in Manipur are very complex because every ethnic group would like to get back their pre-British status. For Meities, Kukis or Nagas, we have to believe in peaceful co-existence," said T T Haokip, professor, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong.

The seminar was divided into three sessions under the themes "Understanding Ethnicity and Alienation," "Role of Various Institutions in the Peace Process" and " "An Approach to Conflict Resolution".

Other topics of discussed during the event were "Media in Internal Conflict Situations," "Role of Security Forces," "Role of Civil Society Organizations" and "Inclusive Development".

"We are trying to reduce the violence levels and if you see the statistics, those kind of violence incidence have come down," said Lieutenant General N K Singh, General Officer in Command 3 corps.

Speakers expressed and exchanged varied opinions on the topics and a consensus was reached on the need of a lasting peace for overall development of the region. By L.C.K Singh (ANI)