The work of destruction can happen overnight, but constructive work takes time. To resolve any problem or conflict, we need to engage all the concerned parties in a process of an open minded dialogue. And for any constructive dialogue to happen, we need to create a conducive atmosphere where all stakeholders can set aside their differences, hardened stances, egos and non-negotiable demands and begin to talk to each other in a context of common human values.
This is exactly what transpired when Founder of the Art of Living Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visited the region this month and interacted with people from all sections with a stated objective of seeking a shared vision for addressing the issues facing the region. During his stay, he expressed his commitment and determination to engage all stakeholders until the last gun is laid down! He even called out Paresh Baruah, the commander of the ULFA faction which is still underground and believed to be camping in either China or Myanmar, to come back home and get involved in sorting out the problems of thehouse. It’s another matter that Baruah chose to release a letter tomedia turning down the advice.
In addition to the problem of insurgency, the North East is plagued by inter-state, inter-community, inter-linguistic, inter-ethnic and inter-tribal conflicts. With more than 220 communities which vary in race, tribe, caste, religion and regional heritage and an equal number of languages and dialects, it is very difficult, but crucial, to create a platform for improved communication, and a shared sense of common goals and values that can move opposing sides towards the desire for becoming part of the solution.It is in this context what Gurudev is doing is making the North East watchers see hope. During his recent visit He acted as a rallying point for a conference that brought together leaders of 67 different organisations, including those who have formerly taken up arms.
Several former underground leaders led by General Secretary of ULFA Anup Chetia were seen kowtowing his idea of finding strength in diversity through continued dialogue.
A leader from Nagaland was heard saying there would be no more tears as he feels now there was someone who will listen to them.
Many eminent personalities from civil society including former judge of Supreme Court of India Justice S N Phukan and former governor of Meghalaya and former chief of Border Security Force (BSF) R S Mooshahary lent their unequivocal support to the gathering's bid for peace.It was amazing to see trust reposed in the peace process by both individuals and organizations which have lost thousands of their youth in this long and arduous struggle.
“There are difference of opinions and I see it as a healthy sign. Once the basic principle of peace is established, all differences can be sorted out,” the spiritual guru reasoned. “I go with an empty mind and sit with the parties and try to come up with a solution,” the spiritual guru said revealing the secret of his peace mission.
This open-mindedness is vital for the region where peace attempts have failed often because of a perception of being pushed into adapting to a premeditated solution that revolves around showing where they are wrong. Such engagements provide a positive sign that the North East is looking for a solution beyond the tried and failed legal, economic or military interventions.
Gurudev has been investing a lot of time and energy in guiding leaders from the region to addressing the larger obligations to society and humanity in non-violent and democratic ways. This strategy is beginning to pay off in a big way in the region. His efforts played a big hand in the recent homecoming 68 militants in Manipur.
The people of the North East have long felt alienated from the rest of India, of being kept out of the nation’s consciousness. Most of the youth who took to insurgency in the early 80s cite a perceived step-motherly attitude by the Indian government as the main motivation for taking up arms in the prime of their youth and in their quest for independence.
When such strong feelings of deprivation and being wronged prevail, it is unlikely that traditional tools of conflict resolution such as political, military, economic, legal or give-and-take negotiations will work. There is a need for a human touch that first needs to heal the existing trust deficit.On that count, the Guwahati conference represented a landmark beginning. It provided a platform for genuine communication, understanding and hope for an ultimate agreement without getting stuck in legal haggles, arguments over rights and the use of force.
Courtesy: Herald
