Guwahati, Feb. 3 : Various members belonging to intelligentsia, peace workers, academicians and social activist groups from different states of the northeast India recently participated in a seminar on issues related to peace and development.

The two-day workshop-cum-seminar had a theme ''Peace Alone Leads to Development and Prosperity''. It was held to provide various representatives from northeastern states, a platform to interact and share views on the futility of violence and discuss how to bring peace in the region.

The event was an endeavor of the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal People (ICITP-NEZ).

"The various consultation has revealed that there should be an inclusive process for all the stake holders to find out the means and ways for resolving conflict and to bring forth peaceful; situation in the region. So we organised this workshop to explore and to give a common space to all the stake holders to come and contribute to the peace building process," said Jebra Mosahary, the President of Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal People.

"This occasion has given space and opportunity for all actors in the northeast to express their view points, understanding and observation. I think this is a major gain of this two day seminar-cum-workshop," said Natwar Thakkar, a social worker.

At the seminar, there was a concern over the disturbed situation in the norteast.

The event was an effort to help the people understand the problems and enhance peace-building capacity and fulfill the aspirations of the people through peaceful democratic process.

"Peace is not only a matter of state. It is the civil society who has to contribute in establishing peace. It will be futile to say that it is the responsibility of the state or government. The biggest stakeholders are the civil society and they must contribute. They should also try to be alert," said R. S. Mosahary, the Governor of Meghalaya

The workshop provided a platform to express views and helped in bridging the gap between all sections of people in the matter of peace and development in the northeastern states.

It was felt that such initiatives would help to sensitize the people and leaders to fully understand the true concept of sustainable development.

The occasion gave an opportunity to share opinions to collectively contribute in awareness campaign on disadvantage of violence in northeast.

Militant groups in Assam that are participating in the ceasefire too analyzed the root causes of internal conflicts, fratricidal killings and violence recurring in the region especially in Assam. They agreed that peace was the need of the hour.

"If the people of the region are interested, people should understand each other. Peace develops from within the society and not outside. People should know the problems of this community and that community. The advanced people should know the problems of the backward people. So if the intellectuals, the majority of the people understand the problems of minorities, then only peace will come," said Dililp Nunisa, the Chairman, DHD militant in ceasefire.

"Government should point out the problems in the civil society and suggest solutions," said Birsingh Munda, Advasi Militant group in ceasefire. (ANI)