SDSA's general conference kicks off
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, October 13 2012: Thought provoking speeches, crowd enthralling songs and dances marked the inaugural function of the three-day long 2nd General Conference of Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) today at Senapati town, some 65 kilometres north of Imphal.

The conference is being held under the theme of 'Collective Envisioning" .

Speaking on the occasion, President of Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) LR John said, "We were happy when the Indo-Naga peace agreement was signed in 1997 but the absence of a solution despite prolonged negotiation and sporadic confrontation is a great concerned for us.

We want respect and dignity.

We want our rights and honour.

Our identity and land must be safeguarded" .

He went on to say, "The deliberate and wanton denial of our rights by the Government of Manipur all these years must end and we are struggling to get justice and our rights to determine our own future without being subjected to all kinds of discriminations and subjugations.

The denials of our right even to write TET examination in our own district and tampering of the Census of our district by the Government of Manipur are two recent examples of such acts' .

Mud smeared youths performing a dance at the inaugural function of 2nd SDSA conference

Observing that SDSA has been at the forefront of the movement of the Nagas and tribals all these years, John said, 'We have actively participated in activities to achieve our rights including the recent movement for 'Alternative Arrangement' of the Nagas in Manipur.

We will continue to struggle and strive until our rightful place is secured.

We implore the Government of Manipur and Government of India to meaningfully engage with us and begin an era of healthy relationship to usher in a new direction, guided by constructive and objective plan and policies" .

The SDSA President pointed out that the conference is being held after a gap of 19 years as an attempt to create a vibrant forum of the students and youth for a better.

"Collective envisioning" under which the general conference is being held is all about knowing each other, learning from each other, helping each other and working together to create a better world, he added.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the inaugural function, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Manipur PC Lawmkunga said, "The essence of much touted Look East Policy is that if people want to grow educationally, socially and economically then all countries have to promote mutual understanding and mutual cooperation with other countries to achieve all-round development" .

He went on to observe that, "In the present world, no country can remain isolated.

If it wants to grow educationally, socially and economically then all countries have to promote mutual understanding and mutual cooperation with other countries to achieve all-round development.

This is the essence of our much touted Look east Policy" .

He also referred to the main objective of the Look East Policy saying the Indian Government devised this policy to enter into understanding with the ASEAN countries and focus on trade and commerce supported by science and technology.

Lawmkunga further said, "We have to be prepared to reap the fruits of this policy.

In this regard, the foremost thing in our mind is peace and security, not only for Indian citizens but also for foreigners who want to invest in business in Manipur and who want to visit us as tourists.

We can make Manipur one of the most attractive states if we shed off narrow minds and self-interest" .

President of United Naga Council (UNC) L Adani, who was present on the occasion, observed that leadership in the movement of any student union on issues of academic, sports, and science and technology, social and collective concern should make life good and ensures meaningful and productive life.

The theme of the conference reflects the maturity and seriousness of SDSA, he added.

Rev Father Abraham Lotha, Principal of St Joseph College, Jakhma, Nagaland also spoke on the occasion saying, "Your town (Senapati) is growing faster than the towns in other districts but without much planning or envisioning" .

The inaugural session of the 2nd general conference of SDSA was also graced by PK Jha, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati as special guest.

A cultural session was also held as part of the inaugural session wherein Ram Muiva, Principal Secretary of Works and Transport attended as Chief Guest while Dr J Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary of Home and Dr Rajesh Kumar, Commissioner of Tourism as Guests of Honour.

It may be noted here that SDSA was established in the year 1971 with James Lokho and Benjamin Banee as its first President and Secretary respectively.

The first conference of SDSA was organized on April 14, 1993 .