It is our pleasure to share with you that the Webinar
‘Dialogue Manipur: Learning Lessons from the Crisis’’
was organized virtually on 7th of July 2023The theme of the webinar was
‘Towards Peace and Reconciliation in Manipur’. .
The webinar witnessed engaging discussions from leading experts on the most pressing issues of the ongoing conflicts. Speakers have examined the underlying causes,
analyse the dynamics at play, and investigate the rise of extremist ideologies and radicalization in the state. Through insightful discussions, multidisciplinary
perspectives, and collective efforts, we strive to chart a path towards fostering social cohesion, inclusivity, tolerance, and resilience in the face of disintegration.
Additionally, this webinar has explored possible ways to achieve long-lasting peace among the communities. Webinar’s prominent speakers have exchanged their ideas,
experiences, identify policy implications for governments, propose innovative approaches, and discuss the importance of collaboration and cooperation at various levels.
The conference had active participation from the Indian Arm Forces, former Governor, national security experts, State Police forces, academicians, and scholars,
policy analysts, journalists, and representatives from various institutions.
The webinar was commenced by anchors (Maibam Warish
– Senior Research Coordinator, and
Dr. Paromita Datta – Hon. Consultant), and the opening remark was delivered by General JJ Singh (Former Governor of Arunachal
Pradesh & Former Chief of the Army Staff). General Singh in his address stressed upon the point that as Indian we need to be more actively engaged and involved with
north east region of our country. This will in the long run help build confidence and better integration with the rest of the nation, and help to mitigate other
security challenges emerging across the border.
The key speakers of the event included
Lt Gen Zameer Uddin Shah (Former VC-Aligarh Muslim University, and Former GCO-III Corps(Spear Corps) & Deputy Chief of Army Staff(Personnel &
System), Indian Army), Lt Gen(Dr) Shokin Chauhan (Former Director General of Assam Rifles, and Former Chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group),
Lt Gen (Dr) Konsam Himalay Singh (Former GCO XVI Corps, Indian Army, & Former Chairman of Manipur Public Service Commission),
Lt Gen K J Singh (Former GOC-in-C, Western Army Command), Prof. Amarjeet Singh ,(Honorary Director-Centre for North East Study
Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi), Prof. Sanjoy Hazarika (Director Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, New Delhi),
Prof. Thongkholala Haokip, (Assistant Professor, Centre for the Study of Law and Governance, JNU), Mr.Akham Bonbirdhwaja Singh,
IFS(Retd), (Former Conservator of Forest, Government of Manipur),
Prof. Kham Khan Suan Hausing
(Head-Department of Political Science School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad),
Mr. Pradip Phanjoubam (Editor –Imphal Review of Arts and Politics), Dr. Nemthiangai Guite( Associate Professor, Centre of Social
Medicine and Community Health, School of Social Science, JNU, New Delhi), Dr. Chinkhalun Guite ( Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, St.
Sephen’s College, Delhi University), Mr. Babloo Loitongbam ( Executive Director-Human Rights Alert, Imphal, India),
Col.(Dr) Shailendra Singh ( Security and Strategic Analyst), Mr. Harjit Snadhu, IPS(Retd), Chief Investigation United National
World Food Program and Former Coordinator-UNSC Panel of Experts & IG(Ops), Manipur, Maj.(Dr) Mohammed Ali Shah (Former ADC to GOC III Corps(Spare
Corps)), and many more.
The focal point of the discussion primarily revolved around the national security implications arising from the crisis, with particular emphasis placed on the
necessity of implementing effective border management measures along the Indo-Myanmar border. The presence of illegal immigrants, inadequate border controls, the
illicit drug trade, and the looming specter of Narco-terrorism pose imminent threats to the integrity of India’s national security. Dr. Guite underscored the
imperative of ensuring domestic security as a prerequisite for safeguarding the entire nation, articulating the notion that a secure homeland is integral to the
comprehensive security of the country as a whole. Consequently, it becomes imperative for government officials to formulate and implement robust policies designed
to effectively combat these multifaceted challenges. Furthermore, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Konsam Himalya Singh highlighted the emergence of the China-Myanmar Economic
Corridor as a major factor impacting regional security in the Northeastern region. This development is viewed as a grave threat to India’s national security, thus
necessitating proactive measures to address this potential vulnerability.
The webinar also witnessed prominent dignitaries such as
Amb. Shashank, IFS(Retd) (Former Foreign Secretary, GoI), Lt Gen Deependra Singh Hooda, (former General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian army’s Northern Command), Lt Gen Arun Sahni ,( Former GOC-in-C, South Western Command & DG-IT, AHQ),
Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia(Former Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Indian Army and Director, Centre For Joint Warfare Studies, National Board
of Advisors Kalinga Institute of Indo- Pacific Studies), Shri Mahendra Kumawat, IPS(Retd)(former Director General of the Border Security Force
(BSF), the border patrol agency of the Government of India) and many more.
The closing remarks of the webinar was highlighted by Lt Gen.(Dr) Rakesh Sharma, Executive Council Member-GCTC, and Former GOC-Fire & Fury Corps, Indian Army.