Restive state dampening festive mood
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, December 16 2012: It is Christmas time in Manipur but no one is sure of going with full festive activities, thanks to the filled social issues, frequent social unrest, bandhs and blockades.

One common question asked by the people every time before they leave their home to attend their chores is �� "Is there any blockade/bandh ahead?" This disturbed the mindset among the people has been the impact of frequent agitation in the state.

"Yes, it is all about the celebration but here in a state like Manipur there is always a kind of hiccup to go full with our activities," rues a youth leader of a church who does not want to be named.

"All the more the grim law and order situation too added for our controlled and reserved celebration," added the youth leader.

He said carols are usually done in the late evening or at the dead of night but the worsening security reason hold them back.

However, compared to the past few years, the year 2012 has been comparatively peaceful in way that no serious agitation was witnessed so far.

Meanwhile, Rev Prim Vaiphei of the All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) said that though he has not noticed the less enthusiasm of the people in this coming Christmas but if that is so, "it is quite possible." Rev Prim Vaiphei also said that these days people are more concerned with the worldly issues than the God 'issue'.

"Why should we give less important to Him (God) ?" asks Rev Prim Vaiphei.

Missionary Ashang Kasar of the Jesus Gospel Ministry (JGM) has this to say, "People are too much absorbed with the issues that they tend to have less enthusiasm in celebration.

He added that so much issues in the state of Manipur have been the main factor that had turned off the festive mood of the people.

However, former pastor of Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) Rev Timothy Phaomei has different observation.

He said,"It is partly true that people are less enthusiastic because of the issues filled in our state but that is not the main cause" .

Rev Timothy Phaomei said due to the 'spiritual maturity' of the people less carol parties and little Christmas decorations are witnessed in the state this year.

"I'm happy to see that this year there are not much activities such as carols and roadside decorations," expressed Rev Timothy Phaomei.

He added that over the years wild celebrations had been controlling the Christmas spirit.

"This is not the way to celebrate Christmas," Rev Phaomei asserted.

According to him, Christmas is one event of accepting God's eternal gift.

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