Peace will return to Manipur when we treat everyone as God's creation : UTBCI
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 23 2023: The Union Tangkhul Baptist Churches, Imphal (UTBCI) has appealed to the leaders of Kuki and Meitei communities to prioritize peace over any other matter and actively engage in the true spirit of peaceful coexistence.

In a release, UTBCI said that the present ethnic conflict has hit the State in an unprecedented manner leaving a trail of immeasurable suffering and loss of lives and properties.

"As concerned citizens and fellow brothers and sisters in Manipur, we the Tangkhul Baptist Churches stand united in our call for peace", it added.

Highlighting that peace and inclusive dialogue are the need of the hour, UTBCI asserted that they can no longer remain silent while their brothers and sisters from the hills and valley are facing an existential threat.

"Peace will return to Manipur when we treat everyone as God's creation.

The Bible says that we are all created in the image of God.

Every individual in Manipur is created by God", it added.

UTBCI continued that unfortunately, their vision of love is blurred due to the immense hatred among the people due to the ethnic clashes.

"Evil does not discriminate, and the suffering of the present-day violence that has shaken the State has affected every community within its border.

Therefore, it is high time for all to seek peace before the worst happens", it added.

UTBCI also mentioned that they firmly resist the alleged denial of religious freedom to their Meitei Christian brothers & sisters, no less then they resist communal violence.

"Religious freedom is one of the bedrocks that has secured Manipur's unity & brotherhood for as long as our communities have lived together", it added.

"Our Meitei Christian brothers & sisters have played a key role in uniting and maintaining peace between the different communities of Manipur.

We value their freedom of religion as much as we do ours.

Therefore, they must be guaranteed safety in gathering and worship", said UTBCI.

"The present situation may seem bleak.

But we must never cease to be hopeful for a greater future.

Respecting our religious freedom and allowing everyone to serve and worship the God he or she chooses is fundamental to our unity & securing a bright future", it concluded.

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