Fostering Peace and Development Insights from the Manipur Conflict

 Fostering Peace and Development Insights from the Manipur Conflict 

In a bid to address the complexities of ethnic strife and promote peacebuilding initiatives, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, recently hosted an enlightening seminar titled "Introduction of The Peace and Development Initiative followed by a talk on The Social and Political of Ethnic Conflict: The case of Meitei-Kuki Strife in Manipur" on September 1, 2023. This event, which aimed to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), provided a platform for robust discussions and critical insights. 

Understanding the Conflict 

The seminar commenced with an introduction to the Peace and Development Initiative, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur. Anshuman Behera, Associate Professor in the Conflict Resolution and Peace Research Programme at NIAS, delivered a comprehensive presentation, offering attendees a nuanced understanding of the social and political dimensions of the conflict. 

Key Takeaways 

The session facilitated the initiation of the Peace and Development Cell, underscoring the university's commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation. Behera's presentation was lauded for its balanced outlook on the Manipur conflict, encouraging attendees to critically examine the underlying issues and potential pathways to peace. 

Speaker's Presentation 

Behera's presentation was a focal point of the seminar, illuminating the historical context and contemporary dynamics of the Meitei-Kuki conflict. Attendees gained insights into the grievances and challenges faced by both communities, alongside potential avenues for reconciliation and development. 

Interactive Discussion 

The event culminated in an engaging discussion, where participants actively exchanged ideas and perspectives on conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies. The interactive dialogue underscored the importance of inclusive engagement and community empowerment in fostering sustainable peace. 

Aligning with the SDGs 

The seminar resonated with several Sustainable Development Goals: 

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities - Efforts to understand and address ethnic strife align with goals of reducing inequalities and promoting social cohesion. 

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - By addressing conflict dynamics and promoting dialogue, the seminar contributes to building peaceful and inclusive societies.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals - The collaboration between CHRIST University and NIAS underscores the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development outcomes. 

Follow-up Plan 

The seminar concluded with a commitment to continued engagement and dialogue within the academic community. The Peace and Development Initiative will organize future events to facilitate discussions and foster a deeper understanding of conflict dynamics and peacebuilding strategies. 

Closing Thoughts 

Events like these underscore the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and informed action in addressing complex social issues. By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, we can work towards building peaceful and resilient communities in Manipur and beyond. 

Through collective efforts and sustained commitment to peacebuilding, we can pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.