St. Joseph University's Department of Political Science hosts a workshop discussing the transition of ceasefires to positive peace in the Indo-Naga context.
DIMAPUR — The Department of Political Science at St. Joseph University, Chümoukedima, organised a one-day workshop-cum-policy brief release on "Transitioning ceasefire into positive peace: exploring challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Naga context" at the university's seminar hall on Monday.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Shonreiphy Longvah and Dr. Somingam Mawon, associate professors in the Department of Political Science, under a research project funded by the Peace Research Programme of the International Peace Research Association Foundation (USA).
According to an update, the workshop brought together academics, students, and researchers to examine the challenges of transforming a prolonged ceasefire into a sustainable and inclusive peace process. Discussions focused on why the absence of armed violence alone has not resulted in a durable and just peace in the Naga context.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shonreiphy Longvah argued that peace should be understood not merely as the cessation of violence but as a process that addresses the structural, political, and social conditions underlying conflict.
Drawing on field-based research and comparative peace studies, she stated that positive peace requires institutional reform, reconciliation, and the meaningful participation of communities, particularly women and youth, whose voices have often remained under-represented in formal peace processes.
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She further observed that ceasefire arrangements, while successful in reducing armed confrontation, have frequently evolved into mechanisms for managing conflict rather than transforming it. This, she noted, has contributed to a prolonged condition often described by scholars as "no war, no peace", where overt violence is absent but unresolved grievances, political uncertainty, and social divisions continue to persist.
A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the distinction between maintaining a ceasefire and building sustainable peace. Participants highlighted that a ceasefire, although an important confidence-building measure, cannot by itself resolve deep-rooted political and societal issues. They stressed that without sustained trust-building, inclusive dialogue, and institutional reforms, ceasefire arrangements risk becoming permanent transitional arrangements rather than pathways to lasting peace.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of viewing positive peace as a continuous process involving justice, reconciliation, responsive governance, and equitable development. Participants discussed the need for evidence-based policymaking that incorporates local perspectives alongside broader peacebuilding frameworks.
The event also witnessed the release of a policy brief by Dr. Kinitoli H Yeptho, Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), St. Joseph University. The publication summarises the key findings of the research project and presents policy recommendations aimed at strengthening participatory and inclusive approaches to peacebuilding in the Naga context.