Discussion on 'the present crisis in Manipur' ::13 November 2010
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi -

* Kaisii Kokho

Hi,

You are cordially invited to the discussion on 'the present crisis in Manipur' among the scholars and intellectuals from different communities in Manipur to be held on
13th November 2010, Saturday,
3 pm-6pm
at Academy of Third World Studies,
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

Your presence will be highly appreciated.

Thanks!
Regards,
Kokho

*A discussion*

The present crisis in Manipur continues with no easy solution in sight. The differing sides appear firmly set and entrenched in their perspectives and commitments. The epistemology of the crisis is said to be an outcome of many decade long unresolved diverse issues of political and economic problems.

In this initial discussion or set of discussions, we propose to discuss the Manipur crisis, although we are deeply conscious of other challenges and difficulties in social/ethnic relationships in Manipur.

It is not that we wish to neglect other issues but to us, it appears that this, is perhaps the core of the problem which can be resolved not by government (which have failed time and again, both at the Central and state levels) but by thoughtful, open conversations between representative groups of younger people who wish to see a change but are unsure of how that is to be brought about.

If this issue is not addressed, the stalemate and confrontation will continue to linger, bitterness will fester and anger and mutual suspicions will grow between neighbours of centuries.

* But what is the 'crises? How is it to be defined, in structural and thematic terms? What are the roots? What are the human, emotional components and the political, social compulsions? Are these interconnected or are they to be viewed separately e.g. can reconciliation come before a political agreement or can there be an agreement without reconciliation?

* Once the problem has been defined acceptably to all sides in the discussion, then we can go to the second step: what is to be done? And more importantly, how is it to be done – what appears to us is a crucial component is the process not just the goal (s), product or result. * Later, other issues can be taken up but it appears that, for a start, the above could provide a basis for initial discussion which could be continued.

Thanks!
Regards,
Kokho