Dialogue on Peace Building in Manipur

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Dialogue on Peace Building in Manipur<!--EpnHeading13End-->

Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, November 17: An open dialogue programme on the topic, “Peace Building in Manipur” was held today at GM Hall under the aegis of the People Initiative for Peace, Manipur (PIPM).

 

Among others, the programme was attended by Imam of Babupara Jama Masjid Moulana Sayed Ahmad, project officer of Manipur Baptist Convention Chand Thangmei, ALM president Hwalngm Haokip and ISKCON member Banamali Das.

Editor of the Imphal Free Press Pradip Phanjoubam addressed the gathering on the topic from the perspectives of media persons and secretary of the All Manipur College Teachers’ Association Laingam from academic perspective.

 

Speaking at the dialogue programme, PIPM convenor U Nabakishore observed that civilians are enduring the greater brunt of the conflict situation in Manipur for the last 50 years.

 

Stating that the PIPM was constituted jointly by leaders of different communities professing different religions, he released a 15 point declaration which he said was prepared after several rounds of consultation among the religious leaders towards building peace in Manipur.

Some points of the declaration include demand for withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) 1958, implementation of a ‘peace agreement’ in conjunction with a programme on demobilisation, disarmament and rehabilitation as done in other parts of the world in post-conflict settings.

 

It also demanded for a special support programme for the victims of arm conflict, specially women and orphans and widows.

 

The declaration also asserted that the State and civil society organisations should work together to set up a monitoring body for human rights situation in Manipur.

 

Observing that free press is a prerequisite for a lasting peace, the declaration demanded necessary measures to ensure that media is free in the State and journalists are protected from corruption and violence.