Imphal, March 15, 2010: Inspite of its deployment here in the State to combat the menace of insurgency, the Army in its endeavour to promote peace and development today hosted a specific discussion session under the topic 'Conflict Resolution in Manipur' at the Leimakhong headquarters of the 57 Mountain Division.

The session was organised under the objective of providing an open platform for the state intelligentsia to share their thoughts in bringing about peace in the manipuri society.

Several social scientists, journalists, politicians, academicians, economists and retired high court judge spoke on different aspects encompassing the topic.

GOC 57 Mountain Division, Maj Gen DS Hooda conveyed that purpose of hosting the seminar was to explore prospect of peace by hearing diverse opinions and view points on the issues besieging the state.

Pointing out that armed conflicts had been the hall-mark in many of north eastern States, Hooda observed that conflict in Manipur is not only unique but its resolution is of paramount importance for all.

"The militarization of civil society and fear of the gun in Manipur is a cause of major concern.

When the common man feels insecure, all of us must sit up and take notice.

Such an environment will only embolden the underground and preclude even initiation of dialogue which is the first step towards conflict resolution," he added.

Presenting the keynote address of the seminar also attended by GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen NK Singh, former chief justice of Chattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh High Courts WA Shishak appreciated the army for initiating the seminar whose aim is to usher peace in Manipur saying "the lord has made the day." "We are almost tired of waiting for a peaceful atmosphere in Manipur and we must work for peace," Shishak, who is also a former chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission, expressed.

Stating that the people's hearts are "terminally ill" owing to the rampant extortion, violent activities and corruption, Shishak said everybody should do good now.

"Those who claim to be the champions of peace should stand up and work on it.

We must do it to the finish.

We have to talk to those who create problem," he said.

Former Lok Sabha MP from Outer Manipur Constituency Mani Charenamei, who spoke on "Changing socio-political dynamics in hill area of Manipur", contended that state government has neglected the hill people in several fronts.

"As no valley teachers are seen taking regular classes in the hills, education growth in these areas is too low," he said stating that the woes of the hill people are poorly highlighted in the national media.

Among other speakers, senior journalist and editor Pradip Phanjoubam delivered on 'Media in internal conflict situations', Professor TT Haokip talked on 'The Ethnic Diversity of Manipur', while another eminent academician Seilan Haokip, who got his Phd degree from University of Liverpool deliberated on 'Narrowing the ethnic divide'.

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