Not easy but dialogue must: Lintner
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 14 2024:
Swede journalist and author Bertil Lintner has categorically stated that a dialogue is needed to work out a solution to the conflict besieging Manipur since May 3 last year but it won't' be easy to bring the two warring communities to the negotiating table.
Speaking to the media during a lecture held on "China's Shadow in Myanmar and North East India Conflict " at Manipur Press Club today, Bertil Lintner continued that it is obvious for one to feel the heat when their neighbour bums.
His statement holds significance as the journalist cum author was hinting at the situation in Myanmar triggering the unrest in Manipur.
Bertil Lintner is a Swedish journalist, author and strategic consultant who has been writing about Asia for nearly four decades.
On being asked how the violence in Manipur can be resolved, the Swedish author responded that he can't say anything with certainty but a dialogue is indispensable to resolve any issue or misunderstanding.
He went on to state that violence and hostility won't resolve any issue.
Bertil Lintner also spoke about the geo-politics in Asia, the conflict in Myanmar and the diplomatic relation between China and Myanmar among others.
Saying that China faced many problems in adopting its new economic policy in 1976, the Swedish author maintained that China wanted the assistance of three countries including Pakistan and Myanmar where there are political instabilities to have direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Further stating that the political instability in Pakistan and Myanmar are different, he continued that China has a strong circle in Myanmar and people of similar origin reside in the border areas of China and Myanmar.
China thought that they could easily control the border region but the same fell under the control of Kachin and rebel groups of other communities in 1985, the Swedish author maintained and added that a mutiny broke out along China-Myanmar border area in 1989 and the same was advantageous to China's interest.
China took advantage of the situation in its border region with Myanmar and the signing of peace treaty between the rebel groups and the Junta and implemented the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, he elaborated.
The lecture was held as part of the year-long golden jubilee celebration of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU).
Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Professor N Lokendra and AMWJU president Bijoy Kackhingtabam graced the function as chief guest and president respectively.
At the function, Professor Lokendra spoke out the impact of global imperialist agenda on Manipur and its neighbouring States after the culmination of the 2nd World War while Bijoy Kakchingtabam thanked the Swedish author for sharing his knowledge on the affairs of Asian countries.
Academicians and students also attended the programme among others.