NEISSR, Peace Channel host expert talk on Manipur conflict

DIMAPUR — The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) and Peace Channel jointly organised an expert talk on resolving the ongoing conflict in Manipur.

The event took place on Tuesday at the Bishop Abraham Memorial Cultural Hall, Peace Centre, Chümoukedima, and brought together scholars, peace activists, and community leaders to discuss pathways to peace in the conflict-stricken region, according to a press release.

Fr. C P Anto, principal-cum-director of NEISSR and Peace Channel, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the importance of peace and conflict resolution in Manipur. He noted that lasting peace could only be achieved if the displaced Kuki community is able to return and resettle and if the broader Manipur community commits to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.

He stressed that reconciliation is possible only through mutual understanding and dialogue, urging all communities to engage in constructive communication to bridge divides.

The keynote speaker, Fr. Walter, director of the North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC), Guwahati, highlighted that peace is inextricably linked to reconciliation and justice. He stated that there can be no peace without reconciliation, underscoring the necessity of addressing underlying grievances and injustices to foster true harmony.

He called upon the youth of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland to come together in a collective effort to resolve the ongoing issues in Manipur. According to him, their involvement is crucial to guiding the peace-building process. Fr. Walter also encouraged peace institutions to take a proactive role in resolving the existing conflict.

Later, Peace Channel staff had a brief interaction with him to discuss potential collaborative efforts in research. They proposed a study on land disputes between the Zeliang tribe and Sumi tribe with reference to Keyito village, Peren district.

During the discussion, Fr. Walter suggested focussing on the psychological aspects of the individuals involved in the conflict, highlighting the importance of understanding the emotional and mental impacts of such disputes.

The Peace Channel team shared their initial ideas on how to conduct the study, and a collaborative approach was agreed upon.