NEW DELHI: A two day International Seminar on “Challenges of Development in North East India : Issues and concerns” – the first ever in Delhi University was organized by the Department of sociology, Delhi School of Economics recently. Eminent scholars of the country participated in the event which discussed issues ranging from ethinicity, development, identity, conflicts, government policies, economy and other contemporary issues of the North-Eastern region. .
Professor Mrinal Miri, a former NEHU VC delivered the key note address which was chaired by Professor Dinesh singh, VC, Delhi University. Prof Tiplut Nongbri (JNU), Prof Sanjoy Hazarika (JMI), Kishalay Bhattachajee (NDTV BureauChief NE) among others, spoke in the seminar. U.K. Sangma, Secretary of North Eastern Council (NEC) was the chief guest on th occasion.
In his introduction to the conference, Dr. Kamei Aphun, the convener, outlined the need to study North East India with a wider perspective and multidisciplinary approach. “Being situated in a strategic location and sharing borders with five countries, the region confluences with the South Asian countries.” The geographical proximity to the South East Asian countries can be advantageously used to promote tourism and bilateral trade and commerce he added. There are good prospects in the development of sports, horticulture, handicrafts and agro-based industries and the region is not only rich in flora and fauna but also is a haven of Anthropological research and enquiry.
A documentary on AFSPA moderated by Dr. Bimol Akoijam(JNU) along with a panel comprising of Prof Sanjoy Hazarika, Kishalay Bhattacharjee and Brinda Grover, Supreme court lawyer, was presented during the seminar.
Prof Hazarika emphasized the need to adopt several measures on State oppression, conflicts and violence. He stressed on the necessity of trauma centers or counseling centers post violence and strongly expressed his reservations against AFSPA law by asking “How long is long enough for a region to remain disturbed and be under the power of the armed forces,” he asked.