Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 02 2010:
A seminar on 'Peace dividend-Manipur' was held at INA Museum Hall, Moirang yesterday under the aegis of Loktak Brigade of Red shield Division.
Welcome address delivered by the Brigade Commander Brig NJ George was followed by presentation of key note address by Deputy Commissioner (Bishnupur) K Panmei, said a Loktak Brigade release adding that other speakers representing the social mosaic included the intelligentsia, politicians, bureaucrats, security forces and the media.
Conveying that erudite rendition of the pertinent issues by the speakers covering the themes of 'Manipur Jaded Jewels of the East', 'Peace and Security Challenges', and 'The Path Ahead and a Vision for Manipur' unequivocally addressed the topical concerns, the release maintained.
With reference to the seminar theme, the release pointed out that the session comes at a most opportune moment, when jingoism is at its zenith and schism between rancour and rapprochement needs to be bridged fast.
Today even as Manipur stands at the crossroads of ignominy and progress, for manya socio political nadir, time has come to confront the problem squarely and find an enduring solution.
Resolution of the myriad issues afflicting the state can be found in introspection, identification of the stimuli for change and the will to go the whole way, the host Brigade expressed.
Stating that the packed hall proved that all stakeholders in the state empathised with the "Need for Peace", it informed that the seminar provided a much needed forum to rise above the polemics, shun the attitude of platitude and find meaningful solutions to the endemic problems of the state.
The surrogate for prosaic leadership and curbing profligatory tendencies were at the core of the deliberations even as cogent prognosis was made for Manipur to be able to benefit from the "Peace Dividend".
GOC Red Shield Division Maj Gen DS Hooda in his closing address exhorted the people of Manipur to invest in Peace and expose the inimical designs of the UG groups.
His passion for the cause of Manipur was evident as he urged the youth to shun the road to perdition and instead be catalysts of growth, harbingers of peace and move on the path of progress.
He said that the time has come for the common man, the entire society to collectively rise above petty politics and partisanship to usher in an era of peace which will stimulate growth and development in this beautiful state of Manipur.
In the end he thanked all the speakers and the audience for making the seminar a fruitful effort and a grand success.