Important role of love and peace in Manipur

Prof Dr Koshilning Maring *

Different communities of Manipur as seen at 64th Indian Republic Day celebration at Imphal on 26 January 2013 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

Doing observation and implementation in Manipur state of human value is less and need to be improved more in social, political and religious aspects of Manipur state. The value of crime and violence are increasing day by day from various directions. Therefore, I have intention to write this article for betterment of Manipur communities. And the purpose of this article has no any intention to insult someone or government or particular community.

Our Manipur state is known as Ema Leibak or Sana Leibak which has unique history in the world, because Siroi Lily flowers and Sangai animal is not available in any other state or country.

Manipur state is being comprised of several communities such as Muslims, Meities, Nagas, and Kukis. I am proud to be called the son of Ema Leibak.

The children of Ema Leibak Manipur have been hearing and telling about "Peace" in every corner and at time whereas peace is totally absent in mind. Who dislike peace? Every living being needs peace every second. Life without peace is helpless and meaningless. So here let me express my concerns at the following points:

1. What is Love and Peace? According to social perspective, the word "Love" can be derived from Greek philo meaning brethren and friends love; and toros/storge meaning parents and relatives love. Shakespear said, "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind." So we Manipur people have to love not with the lust of eyes, but with pure of mind. Love is strong affection towards someone or community.

The word "peace" has derived from Middle English pece, peas, pees. So the meaning of peace can be understood as a state of tranquilly, harmony and free from oppression, suppression and absence of violence.

Then if we understand and accept this meaning, we (every person of Manipur state) all have to adhere to this and implement into every circumstances.

The name Manipur state does not require peace but the people of Manipur need peace always.

2. Why peace absent and violence is increasing? Peace and violence could increase at any time but it is at the hand of people. Cause and prevention is at peoples' hands.

At present scenario in Manipur peace is absent completely because majority have different feeling of egoism (ism), tribalism, communalism, religion, caste, colour, pride, selfishness, and enemy etc. When those attitudes have been possessed the violence increase while peace remain as non-practical. This kind of human characteristics shows love of violence and enemy of love.

3. Every religion or community have to understand religious teachings. Let me express from religious teachings because all the Manipur people are lies under religion. Hinduism: The majority of Meitei and some tribals are belonged to Hinduism. Mahatma Gandhi is known as father of the nation. He taught non violence or peace or love.

Basing from Hinduism scripture such as Veda, Vedangas, Dharma, Sastras, Purunas, Ithihasas (like Mahabarata, Bhagavat Gita, Ramayana), Darsanas, and Agamas, never teach to follow violence rather to abide peace and tranquillity in every aspect of life. Being a Hindu hearing the sermons from the priest and not implementing into practical life is not a Hindu. Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Krishna, Durga, Parvati, Laxmi, Ram, Sita, and many deities of Hinduism has never taught to bring violence in the society in general and individual in particular.

Karma Marga (good way of work/action) is one of the ways to Moksa. Then why Hindus are fighting between Hindus?

Islam: There are more Manipuri Muslims who belong to teachings of Prophet Mohammed given by Allah through angel Zibriel. Rationally speaking Allah love to maintain peace and love to the whole world. In this crucial era does Allah command the Muslims to kill people? Do Muslims of Manipur state wanted to kill Meiteis, tribals and Mayangs? Does Allah has given Koran to Muslims for killing the people? Do Muslims like to maintain violence instead of peace and love? Who likes violence among the Muslims of Manipur?

I don't think so. All Muslims of Manipur are lovers of peace. Then why Muslims are fighting between Muslims? Is Allah is more than one Allah? Allah is only one.

Christianity: Majority of tribal people are Christianity. The Bible teaches to maintain love and peace among the human beings. From Genesis to Revelation books Bible teaches us good human ethics. Jesus said love your enemies and do good to them. Why said Jesus this? Because God is our compassionate God who love the sinners.

Jesus incarnated into human form in order to redeem the sinners from sins. God love the sinners but hate the sins. If Jesus taught us all positive ways then why violence carries out within Christianity knowingly? Do you think that God will not judge your deeds? The Bible says God will judge all the secrets too.

Who would like to fight against your brothers and sisters of Manipur because of prevailing situation in Manipur? Do you want to see fighting as game between Muslims, Meities, Nagas, Kukis and Mayangs?

Every educated and leaders of Meities, Nagas, Muslims, Kukis and Mayangs of Manipur have to maintain peace more and more in order to prevent further violence. Leader's responsibility is to bring peace or reconcile between the two fighting. Leaders have to come forward under a single banner and initiate peacemaking or peace-building with strong strategies from different angles for the people of Manipur.

Manipur leaders' peacemaking should be an act of reconciling two people or groups who disagree (between families, clans, caste, tribes, religion and community etc). When the leaders have come into practical of this surely our neighbouring states also will learn a great example. Our positive belief and faith must put into practical.

Belief and faith without action is dead. Every Manipur citizen should have "Realization" for peace and love. Maintaining love and peace with right understanding is the only solution for Manipur communities.