A two-day international conference on “Conflict Transformation and Peace Building in South East Asia and Neighbouring Countries” began today at Khongnangthaba University, Imphal East.
The conference is being organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and the Centre for South East Asian Studies, Khongnangthaba University, in collaboration with the Department of Political Science and Human Rights, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, and Kamakhya Pemton College, Hiyangthang.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. N. Surjitkumar, Head of the Department of Political Science and Human Rights at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, said Manipur’s historical, cultural and geographical links with Myanmar, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries make it an important centre for studying conflict and peace-building. He said the conference aims to examine conflict situations in Southeast Asia and the Northeast, particularly Manipur, and explore academic approaches to conflict resolution and peace-building.
Prof. Surjitkumar said resolutions adopted during the conference, along with the compiled research papers, would be submitted to the Government of India and the Manipur Government. He also proposed the establishment of a Centre for Peace and Conflict Management in Manipur.
Director of College Development Council, Manipur University, Prof. Hanjabam Shukhdeba Sharma said universities, as neutral academic institutions, have an important role in promoting peace through research and dialogue. He stressed the need for greater documentation and academic research on conflict-related issues in Manipur.
The conference will feature two technical sessions, during which around 20 research papers will be presented by scholars and experts from Thailand, Myanmar and Manipur.