Reaching out to Church leaders : Give peace a chance
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: September 14 2015 -

In reaching out to Church leaders, Chief Minister O Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam have taken a step in the right direction.

Not that there will be a magical transformation of the situation, but this is a safe approach and perhaps the best bet for the State Government to bank on.

Church leaders do have immense influence on the lives of all Christians and more than 90 percent of the Nagas and the Kukis here are Christians.

An appeal or an understanding word from Church leaders like Pastors and others can certainly go a long way in addressing the hurt sentiments of the people.

This transcends politics and perhaps this is where the beauty of approaching Church leaders lies.

No religion teaches violence and Church leaders are perhaps best placed to speak to the people so that some sort of normalcy can be restored.

Irrespective of one’s religion, everyone is ready to listen to men of God and Church leaders like Pastors are seen to be men of God.

Amid the ongoing mass protests at different parts of the State, particularly in Churachandpur district, it was encouraging to see a mass prayer being conducted at the KBC Parish No. 5 Centre Church, Kangpokpi.

Peace, this is what is needed at the moment and for peace to prevail, the onus lies on everyone.

The uniformed personnel can only help in maintaining law and order and it is up to the people to decide whether they want peace to prevail or not.

This is where the role of Church leaders becomes important.

The suggestion from the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister that a joint prayer session be held to help peace prevail is on the right track and the Church leaders should study and see how it can be organised and held.

Prayers, this is what Manipur desperately needs at the moment. The situation cannot be allowed to drag on like this endlessly.

Students have already lost precious time and this will be most felt by those who are in Class X and Class XII.

Will the students be able to cover their full course this academic year ?

Says something significant that these questions should be troubling us at this age when competition has become the mantra for every one.

Time for everyone to realise that what is at stake is the future of Manipur.

Since the Government has deemed it fit to reach out to Church leaders to talk to the people so that peace can be given a chance, it is best that the people too reciprocate and give them a chance. This concerns everyone.

Given, Church and politics do not mix, but this does not mean that the Church can remain indifferent to the disturbing developments that one sees all over the place.

Spread the message of peace and forgiveness to all the nook and corner of the State.

Let people realise that violence will not do them any good.

Give peace a chance, for this is the only way in which the land and the people can progress.

Pray and let peace prevail for the sake of everyone. Amen.