Dimapur, August 13 (MExN): A seminar on `Hopes and Aspirations of the Youth in Manipur’ was organized on August 7 last. The seminar was organised by the Army and the Assam Rifles and was held at Jubilee Hall, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal.
Lt Gen N K Singh, AVSM, VSM, GOC 3 Corps in the seminar highlighted the efforts of the Army and the Assam Rifles in development of Manipur and its youth. The GOC stressed on the need for creating a conducive climate, free from terror and violence for all round development of the state. He emphasized that for generating employment by large scale investments both by the Government and private players security of life and property are pre-requisites. He said that the refreshing feature of the seminar was the fact that all the participants in the seminar were from Manipur. Their views and recommendations are rooted in ground realities. The menace of extortion, economic blockade and Bandhs etc can be eliminated only with cooperation from the people, stated a press note received here.
The note said he also revealed that insurgents are the biggest hindrance to development in the state as they extort money from all developmental projects and the worst anti social evil is the fact that the biggest source of income of a group like UNLF is extortion from the rice trade in the state; an item which is the most essential commodity for the poorest sections of our society. The true measure of the progress of any society, indeed any country is the state of its youth. If the youth is connected to the mainstream, makes positive contribution to the society and exhibits confidence in its future, that society and nation is destined for prosperity and greatness. On the contrary, a disoriented youth is a warning sign of decay, said the General.
The overall situation prevailing today, gives enough scope to initiate and undertake socio – economic projects viz infrastructure, agriculture, industries, health, education and empowerment of women. To make a beginning, the issue of road and rail connectivity to Manipur from the mainland must be addressed, said the Gen.
It mentioned that Lt Gen Singh distributed wheel chairs to three physically challenged youth who despite their disability are working for excellence in their respective fields. The Gen further affirmed that the Armed Forces will always work hand in hand with the people for overall progress and development of Manipur and specially its youth.
Earlier, Maj Gen C A Krishnan, IGAR (South) welcomed the chief guest, invitees and participants and in the opening address highlighted the problems faced by the youth due to bandhs, blockade, closure of educational institutions and insurgent activities. Governor of Manipur Gurbachan Jagat inaugurated the seminar and delivered the key note address. He appreciated the efforts of the Army and the Assam Rifles in conducting such meaningful events which would definitely help shape public opinion and policies, thus leading to some break through to complicated issues. He also highlighted issues like education and unemployment and the problems which come as fall out unemployment.
Elangbam Binoy, retired Chief Enginer PWD, Govt of Manipur and Rupchandra, reputed journalist chaired the first and second session respectively. Interesting topics related to youth of Manipur were presented by the panelists. Some of the young achievers of Manipur spoke about their struggles to achieve their goals. Youth icons of Manipur like Sadanand, famous artist, Victoria, Dy SP and Thaja Irom, educationalist gave detailed description of their experiences. All these young successful people of Manipur in different disciplines reiterated that if a person remained focused with strong will and determination, he or she would definitely overcome the obstacles on their way to success. P Kamla Devi and Christina Monsang while giving detailed account of their dreams and aspirations raised quite a few pertinent questions regarding the prevailing chaotic security and law and order situation in the State. The speakers discussed dividends of peace to the Youth of Manipur in particular and to the society in general, the note stated.
