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The Star
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
PEACE TALK 2025 concludes in Myanmar with 12 short-term recommendations and 10 long-term action plans
NAY PYI TAW: The Peace Dialogue (PEACE TALK 2025) concluded on March 26 after a three-day meeting at the International Convention Centre-2 in Nay Pyi Taw. Discussions focused on political and security matters, as well as economic and national development. The meeting resulted in 12 short-term recommendations and 10 long-term action points aimed at advancing the peace process. Secretary of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) Lt-Gen Min Naing stated that the recommendations were carefully developed after extensive deliberations. He noted that additional points could be added after further review of the discussions. Among the key recommendations, the meeting emphasised the urgent need to implement a ceasefire, reactivate the Joint Monitoring Committee and the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committe under the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), and initiate a review and modification of the NCA. Local pilot projects were proposed to reduce conflict, with a focus on humanitarian aid, education and healthcare, involving local leaders and government officials. To build trust between the government and the public, the dialogue highlighted the importance of implementing public service reforms and swiftly carrying out agreements reached in past peace conferences. Preparations for the post-election peace process were also recommended, along with efforts to facilitate negotiations through third-party mediators and ensure inclusivity and transparency in political reforms. Election security emerged as a crucial issue, with calls for enacting an effective law to safeguard the electoral process. The discussions also stressed the importance of providing stakeholders with advance information on election-related issues, such as the electoral system, constituency designations and election laws. To foster political dialogue before the elections, the meeting suggested creating a dedicated forum for stakeholders to engage in discussions. Among the long-term proposals, the meeting called for initiating roundtable discussions on constitutional amendments before the formation of parliaments and continuing them post-election. Public awareness of the peace process was highlighted as a priority, with plans to collaborate with the media and civil society organisations through the NSPNC. Given that many conflict-affected areas are in border regions, participants recommended strengthening border development efforts to build trust between the government and local communities. The dialogue also stressed the need for a proactive foreign policy approach, improving relations with neighbouring and regional countries, as well as maintaining strong ties with major global powers such as the United States and Russia. Recognising the growing influence of political, economic, military and artificial intelligence (AI) power, the meeting suggested implementing measures to strengthen these sectors. As non-traditional security threats continue to emerge, including cyber-related risks, participants urged the development of long-term cybersecurity strategies. Resettlement, recovery, and redevelopment efforts for displaced populations were also prioritised, alongside ensuring greater inclusion of youth and women in the peace process. Additionally, physical and psychological reconstruction initiatives were recommended to support communities affected by conflict. Lt. Gen. Min Naing, Secretary of the NSPNC, emphasized that PEACE TALK 2025 was an ongoing process, stating that discussions would continue and the action plan would be actively pursued. He reiterated the commitment to ensuring all stakeholders remain engaged in future peace efforts. The closing ceremony, titled "From Dialogue to a New Peaceful Nation," included reviews of political, security, economic and national development discussions. The event featured presentations of discussion outcomes, votes of thanks from representatives of both discussion groups and a closing speech by the Chairman of the NSPNC. - Eleven Media/ANN
Time of India
28-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Illegal building to car park in protected Aravalis: NGT serves notice to Haryana
Gurgaon: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognizance of environmental violations in the ecologically sensitive Aravali forest area near Suncity at Sector 54 and issued notices to Haryana govt, forest department and pollution department, seeking clarification. The next hearing is scheduled for Oct 29, 2025. The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by a resident, alleging that more than 10 acres of Aravali land in Sector 54 have been encroached upon. The plea claimed several violations on the forestland, including construction of an unauthorised building and a parking lot, installation of illegal borewells and light and noise pollution. It also highlighted concretisation of natural stormwater drains and operation of an unlicensed commercial cowshed, which are in violation of environmental laws and the 1992 Aravali Notification. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon Petitioner Vaishali Rana has sought demolition and removal of all illegal structures, a halt to further construction on the forestland, protection and restoration of the wildlife corridor in the area, and formation of a joint monitoring committee to oversee compliance and submit quarterly reports to the tribunal. "Remove the 1.5km unauthorised motorable road built through the forest and initiate ecological restoration. Seal illegal borewells and impose environmental compensation for groundwater misuse, sewage discharge, and waste burning. Protect and restore the wildlife corridor in the area. Relocate over 250 cattle housed in the unlicensed gaushala. Form a Joint Monitoring Committee to oversee compliance and submit quarterly reports to the tribunal," the petition filed by Rana pleaded. The petition details a series of complaints dating back to Nov 28, 2024, when locals first contacted the principal chief conservator of forests. A site inspection by the divisional forest officer followed on Dec 14. Despite verbal instructions to trustees running the illegal building in early Jan 2025 and multiple written complaints to forest and environment authorities, violations reportedly continued. Also, key actions were taken after the inspection. On Jan 17, 2025, a forest offence report (FOR No. 014/0519) was issued, citing construction of an illegal parking lot. On June 23, fresh representations were made to the deputy commissioner and state pollution control board, alleging ongoing violations. The petition alleged inaction and regulatory lapses, even after formal findings by forest officials. Rana, trustee of the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement, said, "A large new structure was built over the past two months, including concretised areas, metal sheds and a cemented parking lot, now spanning over two acres. Loudspeakers installed on the premises play amplified music throughout the day, disturbing wildlife in the surrounding eco-sensitive zone." Activists have also reported installation of high-intensity floodlights, disrupting nocturnal wildlife movement. Asked about the allegation, a forest said, "We will submit details to the tribunal on the matter."
