Norwegian Ambassador meets editors; discuss key issues
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 21 2015 : Norwegian Ambassador to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg on Saturday met select editors and journalists of Imphal based newspapers and news organisations and discussed key issues in Manipur.

In a freewheel-interaction over lunch at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg, Lady Anne Josephine Kamsvåg and Second Secretary, Political Affairs at Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi Johan Løøv expressed their desire to familiarize themselves with the history, culture, politics and development of Manipur.

Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg sought to further deepen his understanding of the State and its people vis-à-vis the unfolding political situation and ethnic configuration.

Norwegian Ambassador meets editors; discuss key issues

While sharing the points raised, Irengbam Arun, editor, Echel Express gave a comprehensive background to the history of Manipur and how the people of Manipur have evolved over the ages.

He talked about the fortunes of Manipur over the centuries and how the State was India's gateway to South East Asia.

He also said that the Meeteis in the valley adopted a brand of Hinduism while keeping their indigenous culture intact resulting into the creation of unique tradition and worldview.

He briefed the Ambassador on the unfolding political issues in Manipur.

Dhiren Sadokpam, Editor, Hueiyen Lanapo English Daily also shared his views on contemporary ethnic relations in the Northeastern region of India with specific reference to the relationship between the highlanders and the valley area dwellers.

He explained the contours of identity formation and its process over the ages.

Sadokpam pointed out that the dynamics of identity formation still continues to play a big role in contemporary politics.

He said that with the advent of colonialism, the process of identity formation was further heightened with the creation of ethnic conglomeration with political assertions.

On the question whether or not there has been any change in the overall outlook of the youth with regard to political assertions and conflicts with India, Sadokpam pointed out that there is a need to acknowledge the immense human resource potential of the Northeast region apart from the rich natural resources the region already possess.

The discussion also centered around whether or not the emphasis given on infrastructure building like the construction of Trans-Asia Highway would help in bringing about development to the region.

The interaction over lunch was also attended by Yumlembam Nikesh Singh, Associate Editor, Manipur Update and Hindustan Times, Imphal Correspondent Sobhapati Samom.

It lasted over an hour and ended with the editors and journalists wishing the Ambassador, Anne Josephine Kamsvåg and Johan Løøv a pleasant stay in Manipur.