Meet deliberates on future of Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 14 2011: A one-day discussion programme on 'Future of Manipur' was organised today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound under the aegis of Freedom Research Foundation.

The discussion, moderated by Freedom Research Foundation chief managing director RK Ranendrajit was participated by retired IAS P Saratchandra, Lt Col (retd) Dr T Hemo, Manipur University CDC Director Dr RK Ranjan, MU Associate Professor Chinglen Meisnam, social activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, ISTV Chief Editor Yumnam Rupachandra and executive director of Human Rights Initiative LC Jenine as panelists.

Giving the key-note address, RK Ranendrajit said that the programme would provide a platform to discuss the ethnic identity crisis as well as all other trials and tribulations being endured by the people since the last 62 years after Manipur came under the Constitution of India by exercising the Right to Speech and Right to Expression guaranteed by the Constitution.

P Saratchandra said that the future of Manipur has become a big question.

At this juncture, the question of national identity is very crucial.

It demands serious introspection on whether or not the people of Manipur get the rights and other welfare measures guaranteed by the Constitution of India, Saratchandra said.

Lt Col (retd) Dr T Hemo said that one must have a comprehensive understanding of the present situation before drawing any mental picture of the future society.

Likewise, to understand the present situation, one need to understand the history of the particular nation/society.

Saying that the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act was not enacted by the country's military, Dr T Hemo asserted that the draconian Act was enacted by the country's democratic Government and handed over to security forces for safeguarding the country.

He also noted that the Act is no longer applicable for it constantly threatens the right to life of many citizens.

Dr RK Ranjan observed that socio-economic condition of Manipur has been decaying year after year in the last 62 years since Manipur was brought under Indian Constitution.

It is paramount for the present generation to examine the current situation minutely and take a committed stand to save the nation for future generations.

Chinglen Maisnam observed that India has been dreaming of transforming itself into a military and economic superpower while the daily income of its 836 million citizens stands at just Rs 20 .

Dr Dhanabir Laishram observed that nationalism and other ideologies remained blended like a cocktail in Manipur.

To day away with this cocktail, there must be unity among the people of Manipur, he asserted.

Yumnam Rupachandra noted that State sponsored terrorism is reflected glaringly in the Manipuri society.

This is testified by the deployment of security in every nook and corner of the State, he said.

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