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Dimapur/Shillong May 4 (MExN): Amid the prevailing unrest in Manipur, including reported loss of lives and burning of religious places, various church 's organisations from the North-East on Thursday called for peace and harmony.
In a press release, the Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) strongly condemned “the violence, killing, and atrocities that have been meted out to the people in Manipur” and stated that it was extremely distressed to “see innocent people being targeted and persecuted on the basis of their religious and ethnic identity.”
“The right to practice one's religion is a fundamental human right, and it is unacceptable for anyone to be subjected to violence and discrimination because of their faith,” stated the release issued by CFD Chairman Rev Moses Murry and Secretary Fr CPAnto.
The CFD also expressed sadness over the reported burning and partial damage of many churches ‘without any provocation’ “The sacred objects have been desecrated. We urge the government of Manipur and Government of India to contain the violence immediately. We expect a decisive action to be taken to put an end to this senseless violence and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” it stated.
The Forum further stated that it stands in solidarity with the Meetei and Kuki Communities and called on “all people of conscience to join us in condemning these heinous acts.”
It is only through dialogue, unity and solidarity that we can overcome such hatred and intolerance, the CFD noted. “We believe that dialogue and cooperation are essential for building a peaceful and just society, and we are committed to supporting efforts to promote these values.”
Meanwhile, the United Christian Forum (UCF) of North East India (NEI) also expressed anguish over the ongoing unrest and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the situation.
“As a Christian organisation, we believe in the value of human life and the importance of respecting the dignity of every individual. We call on all members of society to refrain from engaging in violent acts and to instead engage in peaceful dialogue to address their concerns,” stated the Forum in a press release.
It further extended condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and called upon on the authorities to take appropriate measures to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We also call on the government to take steps to address the underlying issues that have contributed to this situation and to work towards a lasting solution,” stated the UCF-NIE in a press release issued by its spokesperson.
As a forum representing the Christian community in the North Eastern Region of India, we stand in solidarity with all those affected by this unrest and pray for peace and reconciliation in the region, it added.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI) also expressed sadness over ongoing unrest and appealed for peace and harmony.
“It is heartbreaking to know the places of worship being attacked and burnt down and houses being burnt to ashes and forcing many people to leave their homes,” the PCI stated in a released.
Accordingly, it appealed to all the parties involved in the unrest to maintain peace and harmony and avoid actions detrimental to the social harmony and safety of the people and rather proceed for peaceful resolution.
“We must be reminded that we all are citizens of India and we must not allow the unity of our nation be shaken by social unrest.”
Meanwhile, expressing deep concern over for the victims of the unrest, the PCI also conveyed its condolences to the family of the victims and said that it stands in solidarity with them in its prayers. The PCI also appealed to the Government to take every step to protect all sections of the people and their assets, protect the places of worship, contain the unrest immediately and prevent further escalation.
“We are ready to help in any way if at all we can be of any help for the peace and reconciliation process. Let us all pray for peace and harmony in Manipur,” it added.
