Low-key Christmas in state as many pray for peace
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, December 24 2023: The collective call of church bodies to hold the coming Christmas in a low-key manner in view of the on-going ethnic conflict besieging Manipur has stifled the festive spirit even as many prayed for peace in the trouble-torn state.

Given the impulsive situation in which the cries of the bereaved families and those whose houses and properties were destroyed in the strife reverberate across the state, many devout Christians said this Christmas would be about caring and giving for the victims.

Unlike the previous years, this time a mild yuletide air envelopes the hill districts and some Christian pockets in Imphal valley.

Tangkhul Baptist Church pastor Khayaipam Khamrang expressed hope that this year's Christmas will be different from other years.

He said: "While there will be community celebrations during our service on the evening of 24th and 25th morning, we've encouraged and requested our members not to indulge in lavish spending and grand feasting, but instead use their resources to help those who affected by the current crisis and those in need" .

"Celebrating Christmas this year will be about sharing, caring of others and less about ourselves, all in the name of Jesus Christ," he added.

Echoing Khayaipam, a Christian from Nagaram in Imphal, Thuirei-sang Shinglai said this Christmas will not be that great because there has been a conflict between some of our community.

"Last year it was pretty amazing because all of us were united and celebrated as one.

But this year due to the current situation we're unable to have a grand festival.

1 hope all of us can come together as one and figure out a solution and live together in peace like before," he stressed.

The impact of the strife has also hit the X-Mas gift outlet dealers in Imphal as one of them quipped: "we used to do brisk sale during Christmas but this year we could sell only 25 per cent of what was sold last year.

I hope the situation will improve soon".

Extending its Christmas greetings, Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MYNO) expressed heartfelt wishes for peace among the Meetei and Kuki-Zo communities.

Emphasising unity and understanding, MYNO urged everyone to build bridges of friendship, fostering harmony across Manipur's diverse cultures.

Athot Keitang, MNYO president, affirmed the organisation's commitment to promoting peace and goodwill, not just during the festive season but year-round.

A few days back, All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) had called upon heads of denominational churches and Christians of the state to celebrate the ensuing Christmas in a low-key manner in the spirit of peace, forgiveness, love and unity.

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