‘GIVE PEACE A CHANCE’

July 7, 2023 29 Views No Comment

Concerned citizens from Nagaland visit Manipur, offers prayer and solidarity

Morung Express News
Imphal | July 7

A number of concerned citizens from Nagaland with the blessings of Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) on Thursday visited Imphal, Kangpokpi and Senapati and offered prayers for peace and harmony in Manipur. The team also offered their services in the efforts to bring peace in the state.

The team led by Rev Dr Wati Aier first arrived at Manipur Press Club in Imphal. They were welcomed by Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony, Manipur (IFPHM) at the press club.

On the occasion, Rev Dr Wati Aier read out a note, “We as neighbours offer our friendship and solidarity,” which was jointly signed by Rev Dr N Papino, vice president of Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Nagaland (NJCFN), Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, vice president of Fellowship of Naga Baptist Churches, Kohima (FNBCK).

“In this sad and painful time in our history, a few of our concerned citizens from Nagaland, under the blessings of the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, have travelled to Imphal, the state capital of Manipur,” the note read.

It said the team had come to offer their friendship, show their commitment to end the escalating violence, and express their empathy and solidarity with the people of Manipur. “We recognize spiraling conditions are dividing – neighbours, friends, and communities – from each other in Manipur,” the note added.

“Sadly, throughout our shared history, we have witnessed that violence only begets violence which only leads to more human suffering and pain, and destroys relationships with one another and the world around us.”

As neighbors, “we ask that the people of Manipur give peace a chance and courageously end this continuing cycle of violence,” the note appealed.

The team encouraged the people of Manipur to walk together for the present and future generations by talking with one another and beginning a dialogue process that connects generations and cultures to heal society.

“We believe in the reconciling work and the profound peace of the divine. This is the conviction that undergirds our visit. To this end, we offer our sincere prayers and support.”

Later, answering to questions from journalists, Rev Dr Wati Aier encouraged the people not to “delay in peace initiatives.” He also said that the situation is a complex one. “But in the midst of it, we hope for a solution,” he added. He also encouraged like-minded people to start taking up peace initiatives while suggesting neutral venues such as Kohima or Dimapur for meetings of peace initiatives if need be.

Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, during a brief interaction at Senapati town said that the team visited Imphal and met Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) leaders, religious based leaders and people at Kangpokpi. He said the team visited to show concern and solidarity and extend prayer support in such tiring times and appealed the people to give peace and harmony a chance.

Benjamin Tao, president Indian Red Cross Society, Senapati in his address sought the wisdom and advice of the prominent church leaders for the good of the society and urged for prayer support in such difficult time.

Nepuni Piku, member FNR, Dr Robin Raomai Heni, president Compassion Children Ministries and also Associate Pastor, Town Baptist Fellowship, Senapati and others also addressed the gathering.