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DIMAPUR — The department of Political Science, St. Joseph University (SJU), Chümoukedima, observed the International Day of Peace on the theme "Cultivating a culture of peace" with a talk by Dr. Shonreiphy Longvah, associate professor, department of Political Science.
According to an update emphasising the theme, Dr. Longvah stated that the day aims to promote non-violence through education, dialogue, and tolerance; respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; addressing global risks and challenges through collective efforts; and empowering women to prevent and resolve conflicts, while recognising the invaluable role of youth in promoting a culture of peace.
Exploring the relevance of a culture of peace in the Naga context, she posed the question of what underlying reasons or circumstances have hindered the Naga people from embracing a culture of peace. She argued that answering this requires considering a range of interconnected factors that have shaped conflict situations in Naga society.
These include historical, political, socioeconomic, cultural, identity-related, psychological, structural, and external influences, all of which have deterred the Nagas from embracing a culture of peace.
She specified that the Nagas' estrangement from a culture of peace can be attributed to decades of Indo-Naga conflict, factionalism, tribalism, bad governance, and corruption, which have contributed to deep-seated divisions in Naga society, hindering the realisation of a harmonious and peaceful existence.
She concluded by affirming that the Nagas and a culture of peace will converge only when historical and political grievances are addressed through inclusive and meaningful dialogue.
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