Prayer for Peace in Manipur: Kohima Candlelight Vigil stresses on solidarity, not blame game

•    KPBF’s vigil offers condolences and prays for all  
•    Urges Manipur Govt to ‘Act precisely and with precision’ to cease communal violence

Morung Express News 
Kohima | June 26

Manipur has been bleeding for 54 days and counting. There seems to be no one, be it state government or the centre taking seriously to bring the wounds to healing. The conflict has been going on for too long.

These concerns were shared by Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) during the candlelight vigil standing in prayer for Manipur organised by the Kohima Pastors’ Baptist Fellowship (KPBF) this evening at NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima.

“We are gathered here in prayer; we are not here to find out fault, to blame and accused people to ascertain who did it. We are here to show our solidarity, to stand up in prayer for our suffering brothers and sisters regardless of the community to which they belong to,” he underscored. 

The NBCC General Secretary further extended condolences and sympathy to families who lost their loved ones adding: “Our heart cries in anguish for those children whose parents did not return home, to those parents who did not see their children return home on that fretful evening and the fear which continues to haunt them every day. To mothers and children and to families who are rendered homeless and are now in relief and shelter camps in the mountain and in the valleys.”

For those displaced by the current unrest and now scattered in different region and beyond, Rev Dr Keyho assured the prayers of the believers of Nagaland, and solidarity to the suffering people whose lives continue to be uncertain.

Meanwhile, as the conflict continues with fresh news of clashes and exchange and counter exchange of defense and offense every morning, he wondered along with ‘the rest of the world’ as to when the cycle of violence would cease.

Empathising with the utter despair, fear and uncertain life situation faced by the common people, Rev Dr Keyho voiced doubts about the authority of the state, questioning whether it has lost its power, rendering the state effectively stateless, where lawlessness prevails as the norm.

He also termed the targeting of church buildings and properties in the conflict as most unfortunate.

Targeting a particular religion should not be made the face of the conflict, he emphasised, adding that there is a bigger, more complex issue which those in positions of authority must address by openly, addressing the root cause to find solution.

He also urged the government of the day on the need to ‘act precisely and with precision’ to cease communal violence, to establish law and order impartially and give protection to the weak and the minority groups in the state.

The central government was also urged to act and build confidence in the minds of the common people and the minority groups whose lives and existence are threatened with this conflict. 

“It is time for the central government to intervene and start building peace and confidence within. Consultations are being held too often without action and this delay tactics is causing precious life everyday,” he added.

The General Secretary also appealed and urged the Kuki and Meitei brothers and sisters to come together at the negotiating table, engage in reasoning, and reach a point of dialogue and conversation.

“We appeal to the conflicting parties to establish brotherhood through mutual respect and love for each other. Shun violence and stop spreading hatred and propaganda as violence will beget violence, hatred will beget hatred and the cycle will continue unless we put this to a dead end,” stated Rev Dr Keyho.

Remembering the families who have lost their loved ones, he prayed that the authority will act without delay and establish confidence and peaceful coexistence will be once again established.

He also appealed the people Nagaland to continue to pray for God’s intervention so that peace will once again be established in Manipur.
“Choose the path of healing and embrace each other once again and live in peace ‘as you have done centuries before the unfortunate turn of event,” he entreated the people of Manipur. 

Meanwhile, Rev Vezopa Rhakho, President KBPF said since the clash started on May 3, hundreds of precious lives have been lost, uncountable worth of properties destroyed including no less than 400 churches burnt to ashes or vandalised and more than 50,000 people have been displaced.

He informed that about 40,000 have been put up in 234 temporary relief camps while unnumbered group of people are hiding in the forest. 
Hence, with deep concern, the KPBF has organised this programme to pray for Manipur, that peace may prevail and that God may grant wisdom to the leaders of the State to come to an amicable settlement, particularly Meiteis and Kukis, he added. 

Further, it is aimed at raising concerns, empathise with and to extend humanitarian help and relief to those facing this crisis, he said. 

Furthermore, it seeks to express strong disapproval of the burning of Christian churches and institutions under the guise of ethnic conflict and show solidarity with persecuted Christians,  Rev Rhakho added. While denouncing any form of violence, Rev Rhakho appealed to all the tribal leaders of Manipur and Church organisations to initiate peace between the Meitei and Kukis at the earliest.