Imphal, June 03: As part of the year-long observance of the 150th birth anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit being organised since December 29 last year, a one-day brainstorming session for mediapersons on issues confronting the State was held at the Press Club here today.

The inaugural function of the brainstorming session organised jointly by the Observation Committee of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) was attended by Minister of IPR, PHE and Tourism TN Haokip, Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya and AMWJU president Sagolsem Hemanta as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

Giving the key note address of the function, chairman of the Celebration Committee RK Ranendrajit said during the year-long celebration the Celebration Committee is planning to organise trips to various places of settlement of Manipuri people outside Manipur to listen to their voices and understand the problems being faced by them apart from finding out ways and means to solve their problems and discuss the issues of Manipur from various angles.

Over and above this, with the objective of popularising the martial art form of Manipur for which Bir Tikendrajit is well known, the Celebration Committee will organise a martial art festival in the month of December this year, he informed.

In his address as chief guest, TN Haokip stated that all the people are aware of the type of situation Manipur is currently in today.

So at this critical juncture, it is essential for the people to come together and discuss what they can do to address the different issues.

In all walks of life, quantity has taken over quality because of the prevailing gun culture, he said, adding this is really unfortunate.

Speaking as guest of honour, MP Dr T Meinya observed that Manipur is a State embroiled in numerous issues.

Among these, the issue of insurgency should be resolved through political solution, he opined.

While pointing out that it would be essential on the part of the present generation to study what was the condition of the Manipuri society some 1700 years back, Dr Meinya said all the historical events that helped in shaping the national character of a society should not be forgotten.

The brainstorming session was conducted with faculty member of Delhi University K Bimol as moderator.

Participating in the session as resource persons, former Principal of DM College of Science Dr DS Sharma presented paper on the topic of 'Globalisation and development in Manipur, news editor of ISTV Kangujam Madhumangol on 'Total revolution for a permanent peace in Manipur', Seram Mangi on 'The multi-pronged strategies for a lasting peace in Manipur', former AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam on 'The role of media in the conflict situation in Manipur', editor of Ereibak daily Irengbam Arun on 'Counter insurgency operation and democratic movement in Manipur', editor of Naharolgi Thoudang daily Khoirom Loyalakpa on 'Public opinion on the ongoing national liberation movement in Manipur', editor of Huiyen Lanpao Brozendra Ningomba on 'International politics and corruption in Manipur', Statesman Correspondent Yumnam Rupachandra on 'The imminent danger of a civil war in Manipur in the new future 'and editor of Aja dailyValley Rose on 'Militarisation and violation of human rights in Manipur'.

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