Dimapur, June 19 (EMN): North East Welfare Association, Karnataka (NEWAK) and Indian Social Institute, Bangalore, organised a joint seminar on “Northeast, the rainbow region in limbo: Nagaland a case in point,” on June 17 at Indian Social Institute Bangalore campus.
In his paper presentation, coordinator of Indian Social Institute (ISI), Dr. John Mohan Razu, highlighted that Northeast is like rainbow that connotes mixture of a wide spectrum of tribal and ethnic identities and located in the most sensitive geopolitical location bordering China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
He said for the Government of India (GOI), Northeast is considered to be one of the most important regions not only for geopolitical reasons but to protect the region from the attack that comes from within and outside.
Deliberating on the violence in Nagaland that occurred recently against 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Body elections, the members realized that, occurrence of similar incidents if allowed to occur regularly or if they become a kind of regular feature, in due course of time it could become systemic and perennial problem with Northeast which would eventually retard the true development potential.
The members also observed that it has been long standing grouse that stakeholder in the Northeast who keeps complaining that the region is being neglected and given step-motherly treatment by the rest of India. However, they said it is also the wish of the Northeast communities that their culture and traditional way of life be preserved and promoted.
There have been different ideologies, approaches, notions, and perspectives amongst the groups that view and analyze their societies and accordingly have devised their strategies, mission, and vision. This may be particularly true concerning the states of Manipur and Nagaland. However, some have resorted to violence as means to achieve their ends, the press release stated.
In a press release, president of NEWAK, Vezokho Resu stated that in the later part of the session, the discussion has taken place about the secret understanding agreed upon by the Central Government and the NNCN (IM)/Naga leadership who have been struggling for decades.
Similar deals had happened earlier too, but nothing seemed to have been worked out and thus became a reality. Under these circumstances between the parties, concerned dialogue should continue and should become more transparent and open so that a plausible accord could be realized to the people at large. Some of the movements that have been struggling for several decades could realize their identity and sovereignty. It is this hope and aspiration that keeps these movements going. Even the Government of India should sustain its efforts by evolving a number of options and formulas so that realistic and lasting peace be achieved or realized in future, the press release read.
The president said the objective of the seminar was to built up between two parties and also address some of the issues, challenges and needs that the Northeastern states that is going through every now and then, so that through dialogue can bring Northeast people who stay outside the States to work together for the Welfare of the Society by accepting and respecting each other.
The program was attended by professors, Ph.D. research scholar students, corporate workers and Indian Social Institute members.
