UNC extends X-mas greetings, calls for peace
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network
Senapati, December 17 2023:
The United Naga Council (UNC), while sending out Christmas greetings, has appealed to all to shun violence and uphold peace.
"With Christmas round the corner, all believers around the world are praying for peace and prosperity.
In our violence stricken state, prayers for restoration of peace and normalcy have been whispered from the lips of many for the past months.
This Christmas, we continue to hold our prayers with a strong faith that the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace will heal the wounds of the oppressed; young and old," the UNC message said.
The Naga body then said the war is not yet over and the two warring communities have not budged an inch to put to an end to the long drawn conflict that has taken many precious lives, destroyed properties and caused untold sufferings to victims of the conflict.
"Without being biased to either community, the United Naga Council, as a neutral organisation, has been actively advocating for the restoration for peace in the state ever since the conflict started on May 3, 2023," it added.
UNC appealed to all concerned to shun from violence so as to ensure that all is well during this festive season.
"Just as Christ asked us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves, it is our appeal to all the communities living in close proximity with the Naga villages to spend the festive season in the spirit of peaceful companionship rather than one of tension and trepidation" .
The UNC also "earnestly" appealed to all the communities to refrain from lawless activities such as extortion, harassment, and thefts of vehicles that will only dampen the spirit of Christmas.
All communities residing in the state, regardless of whether they are involved in the ethnic clash have been deeply affected, it added.
"May this Christmas be a time for all communities to reassess their stance on violence and to come to the realisation that violence is not the answer to the prevailing situation.
Let the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord bring about a birth of peace in our war torn state.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas," the UNC message further added.