Imphal, November 10: The International seminar cum workshop on the theme 'Media in conflict situation in Manipur and international humanitarian law (IHL)' concluded at State Guest House here today.

The two-day long event organised by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) in association with International Committee on Red Cross (ICRC), South Asian Delegation, New Delhi was attended by representatives of civil organisations both from inside and outside the State, human rights activists and media personnel.

On the concluding day today, executive chairperson of United Nations Association, Manipur Dr Lokendra Arambam read out a paper on the topic of 'Armed violence in Manipur : Search for peaceful solution'.

Dr Arambam observed that the conflict in Manipur is due to historical contradiction.

Uninterrupted cases of violence including killing and rape and molestation of women are all direct fallout of the said historical contradiction, he added.

Presenting his paper on the topic of 'Armed violence in Manipur and human rights', executive director of Babloo Loitongbam said violence in Manipur are of political, economic and social in nature.

He said political violence in Manipur dated back to signing of merger agreement under duress by the then Maharaja of Manipur at Shillong on September 21, 1949 and its implementation on October 15 of the same year and imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the whole of Manipur since 1980.He further said that removal of the Foreigners' Permit System in 1950 following the signing of merger agreement, there has been no let up in the influx of outsiders.

Now the total number of outsiders in Manipur has reached 7,04,488 which more than the population of the indigenous tribal people.

Other resource persons who presented papers during the international seminar cum workshop are editor of Imphal Free Press Pradip Phanjaobam on ' Media and armed conflict in Manipur', former president of AMWJU Th Arunkumar on 'The National media-Armed violence reporting for Manipur' and communication officer of International Committee of the Red Cross Surinder Singh Oberoi on 'Media in conflict reporting'.

The international seminar cum workshop was held with journalist Nava J Thakuria as moderator.

AFSPA, 1958, an award winning film depicting public outcry against prolong imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Manipur in wake of death of Thangjam Manorama in the custody of the Assam Rifles was also screened at the end of the workshop.

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