Manipur’s Ethnic Diaspora in Delhi Hold Prayer for Peace

NEW DELHI, May 24, 2010, 09:20 Hrs (CBCI News):

Over 100 Christian leaders from different communities of Meitei, Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Zomi and Naga joined hands in prayer for peace in Manipur at the Apostles’ Methodist Church here on May 22. The Meitei Christian churches in different parts of Manipur also held prayer meetings during the last two days.

The economic blockade of the two national highways which is on for the last 40 days have severely affected the common and innocent people living in hills and valleys of Manipur. Fear psychosis has now developed among the people. Manipur is a home to nearly 40 ethnic tribes belonging to different religions and linguistic communities.

This prayer campaign for peace in Manipur was initiated by All India Christian Council with a theme of “Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9).” Many prominent persons from Manipur, Nagaland and other states as well as Christians and overseas visitors joined the prayer meeting.

A theological student, Totong Haokip, who worked 15 years among the slum dwellers in Delhi, tearfully urged the gatherings, “In Manipur, all the community has tribal mentality which is the greatest stumbling block for maintaining peace. Most of the Christian denominations are based on this principle which led to enmity among us. Let’s pray to our God to remove such egotism. There are still many places in our country which needs the gospel of Christ. Let’s remember, God looks the inside not the outside appearance.”

Remarkably, people of various tribes namely, Rongmei, Mizo, Kuki, Zaliangrong, Tangkhul Naga, Meitei, Vaiphei, Hmar, Zou, Paite, Gangte, etc. shed tears in prayers on the occasion in favour of restoring a lasting peace and tranquillity in the state Manipur as well as in the Northeast regions..

“This prayer meeting was really a very significant step taken by our leaders. Now, I hope that peace and love will flourish among the diverse communities of Manipur and Nagaland. This is my constant prayer since Manipur appeared in the newspaper,” said Mr. Lamboi Suantak, Assistant Secretary, ZCF Youth Department, Delhi.

Programme Convener Rev. Madhu Chandra fervently urged the people that we need God's guidance and wisdom to Central, Manipur Government and Civil bodies to bring the amicable solution, so that normal life will return to Manipur and peace, love, justice and harmony will prevail among all sections of societies.

The ethnic communities from Manipur living in Delhi also felt the importance of all the ethnic tribes from the state living in Delhi to realize their role in bringing peace in Manipur. They resolved to conduct prayer meetings in Manipur and Delhi in the coming days.