Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 13 2010:
Some who are always taking benefit of the conflict situation to lengthen it, though marginalized, sections of the society are more affected by it, observed Governor, Gurbachan Jagat today while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of the seminar on "Peace Dividend" organised by the State Academy of Training under the sponsorship of the Home Department, Government of Manipur.
Marginalized sections of the society are more affected by any conflict situation.
Some are always taking benefit from it and they desire to lengthen the situation, the Governor said expressing home that the seminar will bring all the stakeholders to an understanding for the benefit of all concerned.
"Manipur has seen a long period of turmoil, which has impacted the life of its citizens.
The changes which were seen in the state during the last about two decades have brought tears in the eyes of the old timers, who loved peace and tranquility prevailing earlier though the state may not have been as 'developed' as now," the Governor said.
At the same time, he also said that the state government has a crucial role to play in maintaining peace; he said reminding that democratically elected government to govern the state under the provisions of the constitution of India to protect and safeguard it.
The government is to ensure the life and property of its citizens are protected and it should act in the interest of its people, he went on to observed.
In a conflict situation, human rights become the first casualty, both from the state and non-state actors.
It is mandatory that human rights are safeguarded and action taken against the perpetrators.
Only then can tolerates human rights violators, he said.
Development becomes another casualty, which breeds corruption and stagnates the economy.
Another corollary is the large scale brain drain, with the best brains leaving the state and only the mediocre left in the state.
This will lead to another vicious cycle of underdeveloped and poor governance, he added.
At the same time, he also said that there are no easy or ready made solutions for all that ails of the state.
But the most civilized way of solving a problem is negotiation for which talks and discussion of the completing stakeholders in the first requisite.
"Only when we talk can we understand and appreciate the other's view point," he said.
Sanjoy Hazarika of Assam who attended the seminar observed that security forces should not be always above the people.
When insurgents in other parts of the country come out for dialogue with the government why not in Manipur, he asked.
Former state minister, prof Gangumei Kamei said that the problems of insurgents in Manipur can be brought to an end through political dialogue.
However, the most dangerous thing in the state is the process of building of ethnic nationalism.
This needs to be check by a concerted effort, he said.
DoNER Secretary, Jayati Chandra said the north eastern region of the country is seen to have no protectors.
Governments need to work according to the wishes of the people instead of keeping aside the voice of the people.
Dr Sajjad Hassan, IAS who also shared his experience showed problems and woes of the people of the state with slide show.
Commissioner (school education) talked on the impact of bandhs and blockades to the people of the state.