The panelists were Manipur University's Dr Arambam Lokendro, Niketu Iralu of Nagaland, Dr T.Lunkim, historian Prof Gangmumei Kamei, Justice (retired) W.A Shishak, Prof L. Sadananda, Prof economist Amar Yumnam, Manipur University's Dr Laishram Dhanabir, Jawaharlal Nehru University's Dr Bimol Akoijam, Dr (Fr) Linus Neli, journalist and activist Valley Rose, Imphal Free Press Editor Pradip Phanjoubam, journalist Yumnam Rupachandra, journalist Yambem Laba, Manipur director general of police (DGP) Y. Joykumar, Inspector General of Assam Rifles C.A Khrishnan and Dr Viyalakshmi.
Presenting a paper, Niketu Iralu said New Delhi is not going to solve “our problems” but the people of the region should sit down together often by organizing series of minor seminars and meetings. "India is a huge country and New Delhi has so many problems to deal with, so it is we who should help solve our own problems," said Niketu Iralu. He also stressed that meeting each other together will make one understand one another more.
Justice (retired) W.A Shishak said that the healing process has to be there to begin with. "Let us stop shouting from far at others and we should also stop talking about others but let us talk to them," the retired judge said. He said that it is better to talk to the enemies then talking to friends if one is genuinely keen to solve the problem.
Both the panelists were harping on the estranged relationship of among some communities in the region. Prof. Sadananda emphasized that development has to be there if peace has to be brought in the society. He also advocated against the continued imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers in the region. Prof Sadananda said that instead of minimizing the problem, AFSPA has brought adverse effect in the region. Prof Sadananda then said that the RTI is a good Act but without arming of the knowledge about the Act by the people the RTI will not be helpful and useful.
Valley Rose dwelt on the important role played by the women in bringing peace in the society. Citing a Tangkhul practice, Valley Rose said that married women or ‘Prokhrelas’ in Tangkhul society used to play a major role in times of crisis and war. She narrated that in the peak of war once the ‘Pokhrelas’ intervened the men folks listen. Valley Rose suggested that institutionalization of Pokhrelas can also be meaningful in the present era.
Dr Vijayalakhsmi lamented that in many foreign countries women are given place to deal important issues but in a place like ours, the importance of women is not recognized.
Former chief minister of Manipur Rishang Keishing who is also a sitting Raya Sabha MP stressed that since India is fast moving forward, the region here cannot remain static but will progress with time. However, he said that nobody will come and solve our problem here. "It is we who should solve problems by ourselves," he stated.
~ Morung Express
