'Political solution needed to resolve ethnic violence'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 12 2023:
Asserting that the current ethnic violence in the state was caused by political powers, Manipur University economics department's professor Chinglen Maisnam has said that the solution to the current humanitarian crisis should be a political one.
He was speaking at an interaction programme cum legal awareness programme on 'Present situation in Manipur' organised by Manipur Weakers' Development Trust at Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi Mamang Leikai community hall on Saturday.
Retired IAS and columnist RK Nimai moderated the session.
Speaking on the occasion, professor Chinglen Maisnam recalled how there were numerous attempts to disintegrate Manipur during the time of Hijam Irabot.
At that time, Irabot convened a mega public meet by inviting leaders of different communities at MDU hall on November 30, 1947, in which a common platform was formed.
He went to every corner of the state and made efforts to unite the people.
His efforts sent out a strong message that it would be impossible to fight against the Meetei community, which has a civilisation of thousands of years.
In the light of past experiences, he believes that the present crisis will be resolved soon and there will be no solution based on separatism, he said.
It was unfortunate that the crisis that aimed at an impossible dream of disintegrating the state cost several lives.
The path they choose towards a separate administration leads to cemetery and unity of the people must redirect the path towards beautiful scenery but not cemetery, he said.
Professor Chinglen further said that poor families are affected worst by the crisis.
In any relief camp, nine out of 10 children are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as they relive the horrific memories of burning houses, vandalism, violent crimes.
Some are enduring the pain of losing their near and dear ones while all of them are glaring at a grim future without much hope.
Each and every family is having tales of untold miseries and hardships and yet they are showing raw courage to defend their motherland, which is unparalleled to anything, he added.
Retired judge Noutuneshwari spoke on 'Fundamental rights and legal point of view (CrPC-IPC) and said that there is the need to understand legal aspects of the current crisis.
Upholding integrity of the country is in the Preamble of the Constitution.
She also spoke on the restraints to be exercised by a citizen while exercising Freedom of Speech.
Anything that would threaten the integrity of the country and affect the dignity of any person should be avoided.
One should weigh the merits and demerits of anything they want to express to stay out of legal tangle, she maintained.
The retired judge also spoke on different aspects of law like right to peaceful assemble without arms, sexual violence against women, etc.
Manipur University Law department's head, associate professor Yumnam Premananda also spoke on the topic of 'Merger agreement and Suspension of Operation' .