Seminar on "Peace Through Development: Manipur and the End of Isolation" held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 02 2026: A one-day seminar on the theme "Peace Through Development: Manipur and the End of Isolation" inspired by the vision of former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma was held today at DM College of Commerce, DM University, Imphal.

The seminar was organised by the PA Sangma Foundation.

Rajya Sabha MP James K Sangma who attended the seminar said that PA Sangma.

a prominent leader of the North East, had raised a common voice for the North East States, not just his home State Meghalaya.

He said that when no MP raised issues of indigenous people in Parliament, PA Sangma was the first MP to raise the voice of indigenous communities.

He said today's seminar is organised as a tribute to the leader who worked tirelessly for the people of North East.

PA Sangma, who was the first Union Minister from the tribal community of the country, had a clear vision for the North East, James Sangma said, adding that one of his visions which is still unfulfilled is a common political voice for the North East States.

Due to less number of MPs from North East, the Centre does not take the voice of these States seriously.

Therefore, these States need to come together and raise a common voice.

When there is peace, development can be achieved, which was the vision of the leader to bring peace in the North East States, he said.

He said like in developed countries where Universities and Educational Institutions play a major role in policy making through research, today's seminar will also help in policy making.

On the Manipur crisis, he said the conflict that started on May 3, 2023 is causing immense hardship to the people and efforts should be made to resolve it.

Though the first step for dialogue between the two communities in conflict was taken in March 2026, many people are still unable to return to their homes.

There is no visible progress in the dialogue and no road map for when a solution will come, he said.

He said the present situation in Manipur is like a sick person, if the disease is diagnosed and treated in time, the patient will recover, similarly if dialogue is held in time, the hardship faced by the people will be resolved.

Stakeholders have a big role in taking the dialogue forward successfully to bring a solution.

PA Sangma Foundation will extend possible help to resolve the mistrust between communities, he added.

Academician from Nagaland, Mmhonlumo Kikon and noted activist from Haflong, Assam, Daniel Langthasa also took part in the seminar.

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