IMPHAL, June 12: Delivering the 11th Arambam Somorendro Memorial Lecture, Along Longkumer, Founder Editor of Nagaland based English daily, Morung Express, observed that the Meitei civil society has a greater role to play by engaging in a collaborative dialogue to find solution to the existing conflicts in the State.
The lecture series is part of the 16th Death Anniversary of A Somorendro, illustrious writer and thinker of Manipur, organised by the Arambam Somorendro Trust as an annual event.
Besides the Memorial Lecture, different events like symposium, painting competition, mukna and literary festivals were organised in several parts of Manipur and Assam respectively.
In his lecture, Longkumer expressed gratitude to the organiser for inviting him.
“By inviting a non-Manipuri like me to such a forum, I believe you have made this process of dialogue even more inclusive”, he said, adding that he is greatly inspired by the life and work of the late writer.
“If we want to change the conflict situation we are faced with or resolve the differences that exist, we need to start imagining with an open mind and start discussing ideas as late A Somorendro would have liked”, he said.
Delving on the issue of Naga integration, Longkumer maintained that the government of India has acknowledgement the ‘unique history’ and affirmation of Naga integration. He underscored that the question of Naga integration is of immense importance to the peace process with the government of India.
Longkumer, however, at the same time cautioned, stating that “whether it is for the Meiteis or Nagas, the ‘integration’ question, whichever way you would like to interpret it, is an emotive issue and so it is all the more necessary that we treat this with utmost care and matured deliberation without disturbing peaceful coexistence”.
In his hour long lecture, Longkumer emphasised on the importance of fraternity and peaceful co-existence between the communities.
He flouted the idea of a new political arrangement to restore the era of peace, suggesting that there is a need to re-look at federalism at the state level, giving more autonomy to the Northeast region.
Touching upon the Act East Policy, Longkumer exuded confidence that the policy has the potential to bring both economic benefits and greater integration to the region, despite the criticism that may be there.
Prof Soyam Lokendrajit chaired the lecture, with interventions from Dr Thathang Vaiphei, Asst Prof at the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, MU, Dr Gaikhamsin Riamei, Coordinator, Centre of Human Right and Duties Education, MU and Luxmi Chongtham, research scholar of Political Science department, MU as discussants respectively.
The lecture ended with a dance performance by artists of Lianda Folk and Classical Academy, Imphal.
