Manipur government on an image-building path

Determined to shed its image of being the most violent state in the north east, Manipur government is on an image-building path and moving towards conflict resolution. The Department of Home, Govt of Manipur, organized a seminar on Peace Dividend, bringing stakeholders on one platform to discuss the maladies facing Manipur to find a way forward. Hailed as the first shot in Manipur’s search for Peace, Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat lauded the efforts and pitched for more of such seminars at the district and block levels. Reflecting on the Manipur situation, the Governor said Manipur has seen a long period of turmoil and while the marginalized sections of the society are its worst victims, there are also some who would like the conflict to be lengthened. Dealing on the same issue, noted journalist from Assam, Sanjoy Hazarika, said the first step towards peace that Govt of India should take is Repeal the Armed Force Special Powers Act and open the doors to all insurgents groups operating in Manipur for unconditional talks. The first peace initiative of its kind, organized by the Home Dept, Govt of Manipur, brought most top ranking officers of the State – bureaucrats, security officers and intellectuals discussing and interacting on topics such as Impact of Bandh, Human Rights & Role of Security Forces, Empowerment of women and Self Help Group, Role of Media in Peace Dividend and Governance issues. Commissioner of Education, PK Singh presented on the topic Impact of Bandhs & Blockades with DGP Y. Joykumar as one of the panelists. The Audio visual presentation showed that the total loss to economy due to bandhs & blockade in Manipur stood around Rs 520.73 crores and in per capita terms, it is a staggering Rs 2027. On the topic of Role of Media in Peace Dividend, Imphal Free Press Editor Phanjoubam Pradip and IS TV Editor, Yumnam Rupachandra presented their papers and brought out the view that Peace initiative should also involved other creative arts other than relying heavily on the Press. Some of the other participants included 57Mountain Division GOC Major Generl DS Hooda, IG, Assam Rifles Major General CA Krishnan, Patricia Mukhim, Dr. W Ibempishak, Indira Oinam, among others.

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