IMPHAL, February 27: A public discourse on “Central Universities Crisis” was held today at the Manipur Press Club organised by the United People’s Administrative Council (UPACO) Manipur.
The event was attended by IFP group editor Pradip Phanjoubam, associate professor Department of Economics, Manipur University Dr Chinglen Meisnam and executive director of Human Rights Alert Babloo Loitongbam as resource persons. the event was moderated by The Eechel Express editor Irengbam Arun.
An interaction session was also held as part of the discourse attended by leaders of several civil bodies of the State, students and academicians.
Thokchom Bashudeva president UPACO, Manipur, Yumnam Basanta secretary UPACO and other members of UPACO also attended the event.
Delivering his speech, the IFP editor observed that the JNU issue cannot be viewed as a minor issue but a labyrinth of an emerging trend which needs to be dissected meticulously.
He said that the most frequently asked question by the government post the JNU incident is why students dare to speak against it (Government) when it is paying for their education, he said adding that we should be prepared for what the Government have in store.
Implying that the prevailing situation has risen following misinterpretation of democracy, he said that in liberal society there should be space for criticism which should be welcomed positively.
Tracing the origin of democracy, he said that the system was first adopted in Europe from monarchy after a careful assessment and resolving the conflict.
But, the system was brought to India after borrowing from other nations, he asserted.
Quoting analysts, he said that “Nation is daily plebiscite” where there should be constant changes and adjustments based on the need for efficient functioning. He added that it is observed there is no concrete definition for “Democracy”.
According to Dr Chinglen Meisnam, the current mayhem across the country is a manifestation of the rise of fundamentalism or fascism and an assault on reason.
He said that a battle of idea has begun wherein a small section or group without a firm stand of Ideology can no longer survive.
Today’s nationalism is fake nationalism, he said citing the abrupt rise of right wing under the shadow of Hinduism.
Against this backdrop, it is unfortunate that the Manipur Government is relying on the mercy of the Government of India for sustenance of the State, he said.
Lamenting that only Rs 25 crore was reflected in the total budget for the department of Art and Culture, he said that it was a clear indication of the government’s lack of concern for its people.
He drew the attention of the public to actively join in the “battle of idea” for the sake of the identity of the unique state of Manipur.
Noting the prevailing situation which according to him was a rise of Hindu nationalism, Babloo Loitongbam observed that the people of Manipur must ask themselves a question pertaining to its position in the current juncture.
He said that we should condemn the onslaught of the so called ‘Nationalism’ by the right wings at JNU.