Renowned journalist Bertil Lintner on Wednesday lectured on ‘China’s Shadow in Myanmar and Northeast India Conflict’ at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal as part of the year-long Golden Jubilee Celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU).
The event was organised by AMWJU at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
In the inaugural session of the lecture programme, Manipur University vice-chancellor Professor N Lokendra shared the transformation of Manipur from the colonial period, saying that Manipur’s social transformation was influenced by colonial policies, which introduced new conceptions of property and society. He emphasised the pervasive impact of global imperialist agendas post-World War II on Manipur and its neighbouring regions like Naga Hills, Arakan hill and Lushei hills, attributing contemporary issues to these historical roots.
During the lecture session, Bertil Lintner delved into the intricate connections between China’s strategic interests, the conflict in Myanmar, and its implications for Northeast India.
He elucidated historical backgrounds, geopolitical factors, and economic motivations driving China’s involvement in the region.
Furthermore, he emphasised the necessity of adopting a nuanced approach to address emerging security concerns. He did not comment on the present crisis in Manipur but indirectly addressed the issue considering the proximity of Chinese involvement across the border.
Bijoy Kakchingtabam, while introducing the esteemed author and journalist Bertil Lintner, talked about the ongoing conflict in Manipur, stating that the discussion could offer an inclusive perspective on the matter. He highlighted the significance of understanding the dimensions of the conflict in Myanmar amidst Manipur’s continuing challenges.
The presence of Bertil Lintner, globally recognized for his insightful analyses on Southeast Asian affairs, significantly enriched the discourse on the Myanmar conflict. His comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics between China, Myanmar, and Northeast India provided attendees with valuable insights into the regional geopolitics.
Lecture programme was also attended by professors, lecturers, students, advocates and social activists.
