People's Dialogue

A one day Workshop, "People's Dialogue on Peace Building in Manipur" was held in GM Hall, Imphal today. The workshop was organized by the People's Initiative for Peace, Manipur.

Montu Ahanthem , WASDO was the Moderator of the Workshop. The Workshop looked into the issues relating to the Peace Building Process in Manipur with an emphasis on the Role that the Society must play in it.

Many distinguished personalities graced the Workshop. Dr.Lenin Raghuvamshi, Joint Winner of Gwanju Human rights Award (2007), in his address emphasized strongly the need to guarantee the full democratic & human rights of citizens for any meaningful Peace Process. Other notable participants were, Dr. Bimola (Dean of Social Science, Manipur), Maulana Sayed (Jameut-Ulma), Chand Thingmei (Development Secretary, Manipur Baptist Convention), Dr. Hawlngm Haokip (President ALM), Prabhu Manamali (ISKCON), Pradeep Phanjoubam (Editor, IFP), Laingam (Secretary, All Manipur College Teachers Association), A.K. Kom, (Secretary, UCM) and Irom Sharmila (Activist).

At the end of the Workshop, a Draft Declaration was adopted.
- Real & lasting Peace can only be achieved by involving Society directly.
- The need to guarantee Democratic & Internationally agreed Human Rights to all citizens.
- To organize Programs for De-Mobilization, Dis-Armament and Rehabilitation.
- Initiation of Support Programs for orphans, widows & women affected by violence.
- Immediate and independent monitoring of Human Rights situation in Manipur.
- To support a Free Press protected from Corruption & Violence.
- To provide education to all.
- Creation of employment opportunities.
- Creation of state wide program to fight corruption.
- The need for inclusion of Women in decision making bodies.
- Development of a structure where Society can share & hold responsibilities for Peace.
- To repeal AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), in conformity with the long felt demand of the people which is supported by the Justice Reddy Review Committee Report.
- Appeal to all Political Leaders in the State & Government to help stop violence & save the lives of civil population.
- Appeal to all Insurgent Groups to look for alternative ways to pursue their demands & interests they represent and not to resort to violence.
- Appeal to the people of the State to actively participate in the Peace Building Process and to speak out to the violence prevalent.