Exhibition on democracy kickstarts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 01 2016 : An international photo exhibition under the theme – "The Great Heritage of Democracy" launched simultaneously in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal has begun today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Wangkhei for India.

To be run for two weeks, the exhibition is being hosted by the Just Peace Foundation in Manipur with the State nominated as an appropriate and relevant context place for launching it by May 18 Foundation, Korea.

Mention may be made here that May 18 Foundation Gwangju Human Rights Prize has been awarded to Irom Sharmila Chanu in 2007 and the Just Peace Foundation is an organisation that supports Sharmila's struggle.

Professor Soyam Lokendrajit, Head of Department of Philosophy, Manipur University inaugurated the photo exhibition that exhibits the Korean democratisation movement in the late 80s and the atrocities met by the citizens of Korea from the brutality of military regime.

A discussion in connection with the photo exhibition was also conducted after the inauguration of the photo exhibition.

Speaking during the discussion session, Lokendrajit pointed out that a society can be reformed when every individual oherently and simultaneously work together for the society.

Referring to the contributions made by the photographer who took the photographs in the alleged Sanjit's staged encounter, he said the real meaning of a democracy can be obtained only when citizens want to contribute to society in the day-to-day life.

Lokendrajit further described Irom Sharmila's struggle as a movement higher than the level of just removing AFSPA from Manipur and explained that her goal is to repeal the black laws from the context of Indian Constitution.

The insensitivity and the disinterests of the people who are not directly affected by AFSPA makes Sharmila's struggle very hard to achieve, he added.

Okram Romen, member, Just Peace Foundation who also participated in the discussion said that the people of Manipur have encountered the brutalities and tortures of Indian security forces similar to those met by the people in Gwangju of South Korea during the militarisation of the province.

He opined that the struggle against AFSPA in Manipur seemingly lacks some component of the Gwangju people.

Many other eminent persons including Managing Trustee for Just Peace Foundation, Khangembam Anandi also spoke at the discussion.

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