Jamia Millia Islamia feels that only a sensitive society can face up to the new challenges coming up in the form of escalating violence, especially in the northeast. Therefore, its Centre for North East Studies along with the Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies is organising a three-day workshop on Human Rights in the northeast starting Thursday.
This very special workshop was flagged off by Vice-Chancellor Najeeb Jung in the form of a peace walk. The walkers assembled in front of the Mirza Ghalib statue on the Jamia campus here before proceeding towards the Jamia School, then the Ansari Health Centre. Thereafter the group made a “U” turn and went past the Administrative Block, into Ansari Auditorium Complex and finally reached the M. F. Husain Art Gallery. An exhibition of photographs on the northeast by three young women photographers and conflict situations was waiting for them. The exhibition also has works on the vulnerability of women from cities like Delhi.
According to Jamia, the workshop seeks to help develop a better understanding of some of the political processes in the northeast which have led to conflicts and a difficult and often adversarial relationship between the State and ordinary people. The sessions will include a look at laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
There will be special sessions on women -- rights and vulnerabilities in the conflict zones, laws and lawlessness, settlers, migrants and indigenous, tools for conflict transformation; dialogues and facilitation; creating scenarios and role play, manufacturing consent -- lack of peace and growth of poverty.
The workshop promises to be more than a lecture; policemen, academics, bureaucrats and social workers will be involved along with the participating faculty members and research scholars from across disciplines. A film, A Measure of Impunity, will be screened followed by a discussion. Other activities like larger group discussions, role play, panel discussions and interactive exercises like brainstorming and other group activities will all be part of the workshop.
