IMPHAL, June 4 : A peace dividend seminar organized by Loktak Brigade of the Red Shield Division was held on June 1 at the INA Museum Hall, Moirang.
Brigadier NJ George, Commander Loktak Brigade delivered the welcome address followed by a keynote address by K Panmei, DC, Bishnupur District which set the stage for the proceedings. The speakers from the intelligentsia, politicians, bureaucrats, security forces and the media represented the social mosaic. Their erudite rendition of the pertinent issues covering the themes of “Manipur-Jaded Jewels of the East”, “Peace and Security Challenges” and “The Path Ahead and a Vision for Manipur” unequivocally addressed the topical concerns, a release said.
Even as the accomplished speakers with many women amongst them articulated their views with ardou the usually circumspect audience participated with ebullience and candour. The packed hall proved that all stakeholders in the state empathized with the “Need for Peace”.
The audience comprised a healthy mix of the wide spectrum of the society with many eminent personalities amongst them. The seminar provided a much needed forum to rise above the polemics, shun the attitude of platitude and find meaningful solutions to the endemic problems of the state. The surrogate for prosaic leadership and curbing profligate tendencies were at the core of the deliberations even as cogent prognosis was made for Manipur to be able to benefit from the “Peace Dividend”.
Maj Gen DS Hooda, VSM General Officer Commanding Red Shield Division gave the closing address wherein he exhorted the people of Manipur to invest in Peace and expose the inimical designs of the UG groups.
His passion for the cause of Manipur was evident as he urged the youth to shun the road to perdition and instead be catalysts of growth, harbingers of peace and move on the path of progress.
He said that the time has come for the common man, the entire society to collectively rise above petty politics and partisanship to usher in an era of peace which will stimulate growth and development in this beautiful state of Manipur.