“Northeast India: A Reader” launched

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, October 18, 2018: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said the academicians and scholars have a great role in improving a society and shaping a society better, at the launching function of the book “Northeast India: A Reader” held at the Durbar Hall, of  the chief minister’s secretariat today.

Biren stated that in the post independence era (1960s-70s), the intellectuals, academicians and scholars didn’t influence the politicians. If Forums/ Platforms like Manipur Research Forum were present at that time then the present burning issues such as ethnic conflict and unrest could have been avoided. He elaborated integrity and communal harmony in the state.

 Mentioning that professionals such as academicians, scholars, doctors etc. are merely confined to their rooms, Biren urged the professionals to involve in politics and give suggestions and advice to the politicians and government. He believed that such book would enlighten the people and future generation.

Replying to the media persons about the controversy over construction of Ras Lila Mandap at Kangla, the chief minister clarified that the work programme was proposed by the previous government to the Centre in the year 2015. He said that he has keen interest to protect the sanctity of the sacred place like Kangla in the state. The government will seek suggestions and advice from the people, experts and scholars of the state in this regard, he added. He mentioned that he would convene a meeting with Kangla Fort Board soon. After the installation of the present government, the government decided to shift the Joint Interrogation Cell from the Kangla. Programmes such as ‘Nongpok Thong Hangba’ have been started by the present government, he added.

Senior Citizen Dr. Arambam Lokendro said that such works needs to be translated into local language so that the local people can engage into the academic discourse and issues of the region.

The 450 pages book “Northeast India: A Reader” is a comprehensive reader with collection of articles being edited by Bhagat Oinam and Dhiren A. Sadokpam and published by Routledge (London and New Delhi). The book is the first of its kind on NorthEast India and presents the widest possible range of topics on a single platform highlighting the inter-linkages of issues. Various renowned academicians and scholars attended the launching function.