IMPHAL, June 11: An interaction on the theme “Self-determination Struggles of Northeast India” jointly organized by All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AWMJU) and Arambam Somorendra Trust, Imphal was held at the Manipur Press Club here on Monday.
The panel speakers were Subir Bhaumik Editor of Seven Sisters Post, Kaka D Iralu writer of Nagaland, Hijam Rajesh Editor of The Sangai Express (English edition) and Ningthoukhongjam Ibungochoubi Executive Editorof The Manipur Mail. The interactive session was moderated over by Irengbam Arun, Editor of Imphal Free Pres.
Subir Bhaumik said although India has given the impression of equal treatment to the Northeast, it cannot do so psychologically towards the region.
The policy of counter-insurgency should not be taken up in this country where Gandhi was born, he asserted while accusing India of being double standard by using the art of peace process and dialogues as a strategy.
He also said the peace process should be looked with a clear vision and added that the the Northeast became a hotbed of insurgent movements due to the unparalleled federal structure of the country.
Kaka D Iralu alleged that the Indian Army has been committing atrocities and killings in the region even as he had been languished in jail for seven months.
He was of the view that rebel groups in Manipur have declined to join the peace process owing to either lack of sincerity in Indian leadership or being double standard.
Experts from various fields were also participated at the interaction. While Subir Bhaumik dealt with the 3 options, issues surrounding his three options delegates at the interaction flagged the issues of racial profiling, sexual profiling of the Northeast peoples, the incoherent narratives of different assertions, and the indianess of te northeasters flagged at the discussion.