EMN
Dimapur, November 24
Realising that youth are open to learning, creative and ready to stand for justice and harmony, Director of Peace Channel Fr. CP Anto said time has come for the youth to lead the people to lasting peace in the region, while in order to accomplish the task he also urged them to learn about reconciliation, fundamentals of peace building and conflict resolution strategies. Fr. CP Anto said this while addressing a one day seminar on ‘Role of youth in peace building’ at Don Bosco College, Maram, in Manipur. He said youth can lead the people to lasting peace in the region as they are open to learning, maliceless, creative and stand for justice and harmony. He has also exhorted the youth leaders to learn about reconciliation, fundamentals of peace building, conflict resolution strategies.
He said Peace Channel aims to capacitate the local leaders and youth in the institutions and communities to build peace, heal the wounds and prevent future conflicts. He has, therefore, advocated systemic thinking and planning to replace the current factionalism, tribalism and fragmentation in the fields of conflict prevention and peace building.
Stating that an inclusive approach in peace building can bring lasting peace in the region, he said all nodal and apex organizations of the state and region need to play vital role by coming together as often as possible to discuss and plan together for an amicable solution, which would be accepted by all.
Demonstrating through various group activities, he said peace cannot be achieved through coercion or by use of force. While pointing out that peace building basically is relationship building, he asked the participants to be pro – active rather than being reactive.
He said by being pro-active, it would make them go forward and do more than what is required or expected. In this regard, he has asked the young peace club members to take proactive measures to build up the right kind of relationship with people belonging to different tribes and communities.
Being part of Quality Peace Club (QPC) is itself a passport to intervene and be part of any communities, religion and organizations. He further said that functional conflict brings positive changes and development in the individual life and communities but the non-functional conflict is negative and need to be avoided.
Coordinator of Peace Channel, Liangamang Robert, presented the role of youth in building peace in the region. He asked the youth to capacitate youth (youth for youth) to be an active peace builders in their educational institutions and communities.
“Youth have the power to change and they are open to new ideas that bring peace and happiness to their lives,” said Robert. He has thanked the principal Rev.Fr. Sebastian, vice principal Rev. Fr. Vincent Sdb, and Rev. Sr. Vinay, coordinator of QPC, for their participation in the seminar.
Ms. Myoi, one of the participants commented at the end of the seminar that she has learned lots of practical tips in building peace in her own life and the life of her family members. She said the training has made her realize that peace can be achieved by contributing in our own small ways.
