Imphal, June 01 2010: General Officer Commanding (GOC), 57 Mountain Division, Major General DS Hooda has expressed serious concern over what he called "huge trust deficit" among the people of Manipur.

"This huge trust deficit will take years to bridge, if we are willing to take the first step, and I'm not sure who will take the first step," the GOC said.

He was giving the closing address at the end of the one day "Peace Dividend" seminar organised by the Logtak Brigade of the Red Shield Division at INA Museum Hall, Moirang today.

Maj Gen Hooda said, "There is a divide on ethnic lines which could not be sharper" .

"When I first came here, I told some of the newspaper editors that I was extremely impressed with their impartial editorials.

They are still Ok, but the rest of the editorial page is sharply divided.

All the Manipur intelligensia is taking one side or the other.

It is not helping greatly," he said.

The GOC further said, "Real security is the absence of fear.

As long as militant groups roam around with weapons and threats, the freedom of people will not find expression." "Today the people of Bishnupur have no sympathy for the people of Noney because they have blockaded NH-53.But do you know their children are fainting in school for lack of food.

So why do they continue to blockade...

because of fear of militant groups and not because of any ideology," the GOC said.

"So what is the solution? The solution is in the hands of the people.

You have to decide what you want? Do you want to live in harmony or conflict? What sort of future you want for your children? Will you live in fear all your life? There will always be a militant group in society, but it only exceeds a limit if we all accept and not resist its existence.

The militant group also feeds on mistrust and disharmony between groups of society.

Let us not encourage it," Maj Gen Hooda appealed.

Talking about the role of women, the General said, "The women of Manipur are strong and vibrant, be it Meiteis, Nagas or Kukis.

Today they are engaged only in putting blockades and counter blockades, with men hiding behind them.

But when the elections take place, there are mainly male candidates" .

"We will go more than half way to meet you.

We will remain swake to ensure you have a good sleep.

We will try our best to keep extortion and drugs off the streets.

We will fight for you.

But we can not succeed without your support.

We also have work to do to gain confidence of people," he said.

Regarding the RPF's threat to the non-Manipuris, the General said the society which does not accept infusion of ideas, technology and talent from outside is bound to remain rested.

Earlier, Brig NJ George (Commander, Logtak Brigade) delivered the welcome address followed by a keynote address by K Panmei, DC, Bishenpur Dist which set the stage for the proceedings.

The speakers, from the intelligentsia, politicians, bureaucrats, security forces and the media represented the social mosaic.

There were three sessions in the seminar.

Dr N Mohendro was the moderator in the first session of which the theme was "Manipur:Jaded Jewel of the East".

Govindas Konthoujam, MLA of Bishnupur spoke on "Lack of Development and Benefit".

Dr Konsam Ibo Prof, Dept of Political Science, MU spoke on "Divisive Nature of Ethnicity and Bridging the Schism".

Dr Ch Betholia, Lecturer, Dept of Linguistics, MU spoke on the "Degeneration of Society/Social Values".

Dr Kh Ratankumar, MLA Mayang Imphal A/C and Chairman of MANITRON spoke on "Aspirations of the Common Man".

Mrs Gaiphulshillu Faumei, CJM, Bishnupur was the moderator of the second session of which the theme was "Peace and Security Challenges".

Dr Ch Sheelaramani, Associate Prof, Dept of English, DM College of Arts spoke on "Role of Women".

M Prithviraj, MLA, Moirang A/C spoke on "Vision for Manipur".

N Binoy, president of Senior Citizens' Society, spoke on "Role of Intelligentsia, Citizens and NGOs".

Themthing Ngashangva, IPS, SP Jail, Imphal Central Jail spoke on "Role of Security Forces".

Prof Amar Yumnam, MU was the moderator of the third session on the topic "The Path Ahead and a Vision for Manipur".

P Sharat, IAS, Principal Secretary (Retd), Govt of Manipur spoke on "Contributin of the elected representatives".

N Ibungochoubi, Secretary, MMTA spoke on "Reclaiming the Misguided Youth".

Brozendra Ningomba, Editor, Hueiyen Lanpao (English edition) spoke on "Role of the Media".

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