Exploratory Dialogue on Conflict and Governance in Chhattisgarh

In January 2011 PRIA commenced a new collaborative research project along with research consortium partners from Europe and India on the role of governance in the resolution of socioeconomic and political conflicts in India and Europe (for more details on the project see http://www.pria.org/core-project-description-events-resources). PRIA is following a two-pronged dissemination strategy in this project. One is to share the field findings and analysis coming out of the site where field trips have been conducted systematically (in this case Jammu and Kashmir) with key research informants and national and international stakeholders at various project meetings and events. The second strategy is to disseminate the research framework itself to scholars, practitioners and key stakeholders working and living directly in conflict zones (particularly in Maoist areas or areas affected by Left wing extremism) to generate new research questions from this framework in areas where the everydayness of the conflict directly affects lives and livelihoods.

The first roundtable dialogue was held on August 28, 2012 in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. The main purpose of the dialogue was to generate new research questions within this framework in areas where the everydayness of the conflict directly affects lives and livelihoods.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RAIPUR DIALOGUE

1. Created awareness among scholars and practitioners in that area about the importance of using a conflict sensitive approach in planning and implementing developmental policies

2. PESA, which is till now had primarily been understood through a legal framework, was now being discussed through the broader lens of conflict and its amelioration/resolution/ transformation

3. The introduction of the language of conflict resolution into discussions around PESA connected it more frontally with the structural conflict issues at work in the region

4. Drew attention to numerous studies/reports on the use of force and intimidation by companies with no discussion at the gram sabha or regard for the people’s rights

5. Drew attention to the fact that conflict can turn violent if development becomes synonymous with private investment

6. Brought attention to government actions which violate its own laws

7. Drew out the challenges faced by researchers in the field in conflict areas