Letlal Haokip
Delhi
It is deeply painful and unfortunate to witness two Christian tribal communities in Manipur fighting among themselves and burning houses because of the reckless actions of a few intoxicated individuals. Whether in individual conflicts, family disputes between husband and wife, neighbourhood quarrels, or communal clashes, the root causes of disharmony are often not money or the display of power, but land disputes and alcohol abuse.
Alcohol remains one of the greatest contributors to social breakdown across the world, bringing calamities in many forms. This moment calls for serious introspection, especially among the elders of our communities. Are we willing to be carried away blindly by misguided youth who show little respect for parents, elders, and community leaders? Pastors and church leaders must consistently preach and teach about the destructive consequences of alcohol abuse. At the same time, elders must reflect deeply on their own responsibility when communities suffer, and homes are burned because of drunken behaviour.
We must wake up from artificial emotions that compel us to blindly support youths who act irresponsibly. We must live in reality. Youth who have grown up in the church know the difference between right and wrong. We must not protect those who go against family values, community harmony, and biblical teachings. Instead of defending wrongdoing, we must educate, counsel, and discipline them with love, so that such actions are not repeated.
In Manipur, the Tangkhul and Kuki communities are among the most educated and advanced, with representation in both state and central government services. Members of these communities are found across India. Above all, both communities are followers of Lord Jesus Christ and have lived together for generations. This is the right time for leaders from both sides to come together in prayerful dialogue to reflect on their shared future and their responsibility in restoring peace and harmony.
As Christians, we may profess faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13), but love is the true measure of our faith. Faith gives us hope of eternal life, but without love, our faith becomes empty. Love is the central teaching we inherit from our Lord Jesus Christ. His core commandments call us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. On these two commandments rest all of Scripture (Matthew 22:37-40).
Therefore, Christians must reject violence completely and demonstrate love in practical ways, especially toward those with whom we disagree or have conflicts. We must set an example not only by speaking against violence, but by actively mediating disputes, encouraging forgiveness, and working tirelessly for peace and harmony. We need more “Barnabases”, sons of encouragement within our Christian communities.
Enough is enough. Instead of accusing one another, let us come together, discuss our issues honestly, forgive past wrongs, learn from painful experiences, and commit ourselves to building peace. As followers of Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to forgive, to heal, and to become instruments of reconciliation in our villages and communities.
Let us not give up on building a peaceful society. If elders do not take risks and invest time, energy, and resources in building a stronger, disciplined, and God-fearing community, we will all fall together one day. Then the younger generation may curse us, saying that because of our failure, peace remained distant.
