IMPHAL, March 2: “The new paradigm of human security must bring about freedom from fear” stated Prof (retd) Lokendro Arambam, setting the tone for the Two Days International Seminar on Human Security in the Northeast Region: Challenges & Predicaments that began today at Senate Hall, Manipur University.
The seminar is organized by the Department of Social Work, Indira Gandhi Tribal University, Manipur Regional Campus in collaboration with Centre for Manipur Studies, MU and Centre for Alternative Discourse, Manipur. Speakers from countries such as Malaysia and Thailand have been invited along with a host of well-known activists and academicians from various parts of the country.
In his inaugural address, Arambam stated the concept of human security transcends national security dimensions to include a people centric approach. He also expects a ‘strategic benefit’ for the people of the north east from the seminar.
In a message from the Governor of Manipur, Gurbachan Jagat, that was read out at the inaugural function, he expressed his confidence the seminar will be helpful in addressing the issues of human security in the north east.
Vice Chancellor of IGNTU Amarkantak, Prof CD Singh stated in his presidential speech, there are forces within and outside who are trying to destabilize the country. Although the founding fathers of the nation had envisioned a tolerant country, the slow rate of human development has caused the rise in conflicts in part due to development schemes not reaching the targeted beneficiaries.
He also lamented the rise in caste and clan based mobilization.
“Northeast India has been in the limelight because of disturbances for over four decades. We have grievances that have to be articulated and comprehended in order to bring a comprehensive solution,” stated Registrar of MU, Prof N Lokendro who also graced the inaugural function.
The seminar began today with sessions on ‘Special Laws, Militarization and Human Security’ and ‘Çonflict, Livelihood and Development’. It will conclude on Mar 3 with sessions on ‘Conflict & Peace Process’ among various other themes.