IMPHAL, May 8: A one day International Conference on Ethnicity in Myanmar and North East India was held today at the conference hall of the Anthropology Department, Manipur University.
The conference jointly organised by the Centre for Myanmar Studies & Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manipur University aims to explore, examine and understand the diverse common socio- economic and political problems and issues faced by the ethnic minorities in Myanmar and North East India.
Delegates from Thailand of Mahidol University, director of Centre for Bharat Studies Research Institute for Languages and Culture of Asia, Dr Sophana Srichampa and research assistant of Research Institute for Institute for Languages and Culture of Asia, Aphirat Kamwang attended the conference.
Speaking at the function, commissioner, Arts and Culture, Dr RK Nimai Singh observed humans have been embroiled in fighting along ethnicity and religion.
He said there have been several instances of such clashes during the 20th century itself.
Further elaborating on his speech, he said the diminishing resources pool in the region has expanded the ethnic divide in North East India and Myanmar.
He observed that not only ethnic clashes, but there have been clashes on religious lines too.
Director, prof L Tombi, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, MU said that the conference is being organised to provide a common platform for all the communities with similar ethnicity and encourage them to share their thoughts and way of living.
Further elaborating on the need for more such interaction program, he said such programs will help bring about a mutual respect and understanding bettering the relationship between the different people.
Prof L Tombi said the Look East Policy will be able to build a closer relationship among the communities residing in the region.
