Meet notes people's yearning for peace
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 09 2011:
A one day discussion session on the theme 'People's Movement for peace in the conflict situation of Manipur', organised by Freedom Research Foundation, Imphal was held at the Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound today.
Presenting the key-note address, the event host's president RK Ranendrajit declared that objective of holding the discussion session to highlight to all concerned that inspite of the tumultuous phase the State is passing through at the current juncture the people yearn for peace and tranquillity.
Stressing the on need for creating a conducive atmosphere to facilitate holding of peace talks between the insurgent groups and Government of India, Ranendrajit opined that only through dialogue differences, if any, could be settled.
accusing government of India of allegedly instigating violence in Manipur, he said insistence by the Centre that insurgent groups should lay down arms ahead of any peace dialogue is irrational and not convincing enough for Irom Chanu Sharmila's campaign against atrocities committed by security forces is yet to be addressed by the Government.
Referring to the Government of India conceding to the demands of social activist Anna Hazare, who had launched fast unto death for a few days, Ranendrajit asserted that Sharmila's movement for over 10 years demanding right to life needs to
be respected.
He also asked the masses to introspect whether the ongoing armed campaign could bring peace in the region for there had been numerous outcry against violent conducts of both the State and non-state actors.
Observing that Central security forces extending assistance in the form of providing material goods to the people is to divert attention of the masses from the ongoing movement, he also stated that rather such a provision there should be proactive approach towards solving the issue
at hand.
As a resource person of the event, Prof L Lokendrajit of Manipur University said it would be misleading to construe that the ongoing movement is waging war against India for it is a campaign towards 'right to self determination.
Expressing that involvement of a third party is inevitable in restoring peace in Manipur, he also quoted Prof N Sanajaoba's book entitled 'Puwari' where factors for Manipur engulfed in a conflict situation has been blamed to the political class concerned only with sharing financial assistance pumped in by the Centre rather than a sincere approach to find a lasting solution of the issue.
Speaking at the occasion, Prof Dhanabir Laishram cautioned that before entering into a political dialogue with the Government of India there is need for planning and weighing the pros and cons so that the initiative is not reduced to a time consuming process as had been the case between the Centre and NSCN (IM) .
He also stated that spreading awareness among the people is an essential criteria for a successful and meaningful plebiscite.
Among others Advocate Khaidem Mani, former UPF president Th Mangi, IPSA vice president Johnson Elangbam, NIPCO vice president Sunil Karam, Prof Chinglen Maisnam, Dr T Hemo, Lt col (Retd) RK Rajendro, AIR News Editor BB Sharma and Dr Priyadarshini Gangte, who also addressed the gathering stressed on moral education of the upcoming generation.
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