Indian Army Hosts Talk on Manipur's Past, Naga Strivings and Path to Peace

The Indian Army's Red Shield Division organized a lecture-discussion session on "Understanding Manipur: Historical Perspectives and Means to Peace" at Leimakhong Military Station which witnessed military commanders, academics, and social leaders gathering for a sharing of perspectives on the socio-political landscape of the state.

 

Two distinguished academicians came to visit the programme — Prof. Dr. Shimreingam Shimray, Principal Wung Theological College, Ukhrul, and Prof. Dr. Moirangthem Cha Arunkumar, Professor of Anthropology, Manipur University.

 

Renowned academic and theologian Prof. Shimray provided a historical overview of the Nagas, charting the beginnings of the insurgency and its pervasive hold on Manipur's sociopolitical structure.  According to him, "Dialogue, justice, and peace are not optional — they are essential if we are to resolve issues that have persisted for generations." He was referring to reconciliation.

 

However, Prof. Arunkumar introduced an anthropological perspective with emphasis on the social and cultural dimensions of conflict resolution. He explained why resolution and coexistence are needed through society, proposing, "Lasting peace will come when communities recognise their shared destinies and embrace reconciliation over division."

 

The interactive forum challenged the participants to critically think about the narratives that build Manipur's history and future. The officers termed it a forum for gaining deeper insights beyond the standard security reference point.

 

A Red Shield Division spokesperson reasserted the Army's ongoing commitment to support efforts that are dialogue-based, stating, "Peace cannot be achieved in terms of security alone. It has to be constructed through partnership with civil society, academe, and people themselves. Today's forum is part of that bigger endeavor."

 

The forum concluded on the note of reaffirming the Army's intent to offer hands of cooperation with academicians, civic leaders, and local stakeholders towards introducing stability and development into Manipur.

 

In making room for academic discourses in a military forum, the Indian Army reaffirmed its security policy of marrying security with dialogue, sensitivity, and understanding — a policy most deem necessary in assisting the resolution of Manipur's historical and current challenges.