Kohima: St. Joseph University in Chümoukedima hosted a one-day workshop on July 27 focused on the Indo-Naga peace process. The Department of Political Science organized the event under a project funded by the International Peace Research Association Foundation. Researchers hope to turn the current ceasefire into positive peace.
Associate Professors Dr. Shonreiphy Longvah and Dr. Somingam Mawon coordinated the session for students and academics. Longvah gave the keynote address. She argued that true peace requires more than just stopping the fighting. It demands fixing the social and political roots of the conflict.
Longvah noted that current agreements often stall progress. She stated, "Peace should be viewed not merely as the absence of violence but as a process that addresses the structural, political and social causes of conflict."
The current state remains in a limbo of no war and no peace. Participants argued that ceasefires are not enough to fix deep societal divides. They pushed for more community involvement, specifically from women and youth. The workshop emphasized that evidence-based policymaking must drive future changes.
Dr. Kinitoli H Yeptho, Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, released a new policy brief during the event. This document outlines recommendations for inclusive peacebuilding. The team stressed that responsive governance and equitable development remain vital for success.
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