Panel discussion on “North East Conundrum: The Current Manipur Crisis in Context” 

Chandigarh, September 14, 2023: Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh and Gyan Setu Think Tank organized a panel discussion – “North East Conundrum: The Current Manipur Crisis in Context” on 14 September, 2023 at Golden Jubilee Hall, Panjab University, Chandigarh. The esteemed speakers in the panel were Lt. Gen. K. J. Singh (retd.), Lt. Gen. Anil Ahuja (retd.), Lt. Gen. D. S. Hooda (retd.). Dr. Jaskaran Singh Waraich, the Chairperson of Department of Defence and National Security Studies was also present.

The panel discussed the ongoing crisis in Manipur and its impact. Lt. Gen. K. J. Singh (retd.) opened the discussion by explaining geography, demography and political aspects of the North Eastern region and Manipur in particular. He shared a fact file on Manipur and described the internal and external challenges of the region. He explained how internal disturbances are giving opportunity to external inimical forces to further exacerbate the situation.

Lt. Gen. Anil Ahuja explained India’s “Look East/Act East” policy and how the current crisis may affect the current situation in Manipur. Gen. Ahuja discussed the geopolitics of South Asia and South East Asia and explained how India is competing with China to establish its influence in the region.

Lt. Gen. Hooda, in his lecture put the different aspects – Ethnic, Social and Political in context and discussed the way forward to resolve the situation. Gen. Hooda suggested that the government of India should acknowledge and address the insecurities of different ethnic communities. He suggested that the government should be more decisive and resolve all political issues instead of extending the status quo. He also suggested that there is a need to improve the border management in the area to stop smuggling of goods, drugs and humans, which is one of the factors contributing to volatility in the region. There is a need to empower the people of the region through greater autonomy and inclusivity.

The discussion ended with an open house session which included free interaction between audience and the panelists. Several pertinent questions were asked by the members of audience which were answered by the panelists. The discussion concluded with closing address by Lt. Gen. K. J. Singh. The event was attended by faculty, research scholars, students of Panjab University and veterans from the tricity.