Imphal, October 14: Under the aegis of different organisations, discussion programmes on the topic "Role of People in resolving the Conflict Situation" were held at five different places today.

Such discussion programmes were organised by the AMKIL, NIPCO, AMSU, UPF, Nupi Samaj and All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Nupi Lup at Ima Khunthokhanbi ground, by Aimol Tribe Union Manipur at Aimol Tribe community hall, by All Kakching Meira Paibi at Kakching Khunou, by UMO at Heirok and North Imphal Meira Apunba Lup, Advance Women Society and Progressive Youth Development Organisation at Awang Sekmai.

At all the venues of the discussion programmes, it was generally accepted that the present conflict situation is a result of the alleged annexation of Manipur by India in 1949.The politico-military conflict between India and Manipur has resulted in several cases of arbitrary killings without trial, extreme torture during interrogation, rape and murder of women, forced disappearance, indiscriminate firing in public places etc.

The conflict situation has also gravely affected economy of Manipur.

It has also made the State totally dependent on India economically besides instigating communal tension among different ethnic groups of the State, asserted the speakers.

Stating that it's time for the people to take up some initiatives towards resolving the conflict situation, they asserted that plebiscite is a necessary means to end the re-volutionary movement for good.

In legal perspectives, there is nothing wrong to demand one's democratic rights through plebiscite.

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights 1948, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1966 and UN General Assembly Resolution No 1514 of 1960 directly or indirectly endorsed the question of plebiscite, they noted.

To all these UN Charters and Protocol, India is a signatory.

As such, people should raise a collective voice to persuade Government of India agree to holding plebiscite in Manipur to end problem of insurgency, they remarked.

Broadly plebiscite is a means to settle any contentious issue or problem by people's vote, they explained.

In all venues of the discussion programmes, people asked whether security forces are being sent to Manipur to protect the people or to commit atrocities against civilians.

They also decried indifference of the Union Govt towards the seven year long fast unto death agitation of Irom Sharmila against AFSPA 1958.The conduct of the Centre and its security forces in Manipur has defied all logic and essence of India being the largest democracy in the world, many speakers remarked.

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