Nagaland preachers vow help for peace in Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 06 2023:
Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, as a third party, will extend all possible help in restoring peace in Manipur, said Forum for Naga Reconciliation convenor Reverend Dr Wati Aier.
A joint prayer for ending the violence and restoring peace in the state as part of Interfaith Forum for Peace & Harmony Manipur was held at Manipur Press Club on Thursday, which was also attended by a team of Church leaders from Nagaland.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Wati Aier expressed concern over the violence in Manipur, as a neighbouring state.
Thus, the team, with the blessings of Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, has come to Imphal to offer solidarity and friendship to the people of Manipur and help curb the violence.
The Nagaland peace mission team will visit parts of Manipur and offer prayers to restore peace in the state.
Similar prayers will be held in Nagaland as well.
As there is a need for both sides to take a seat and talk with each other to restore peace in the state at a neutral location, Nagaland can be the neutral choice for holding the peace talks, he said.
The team led by Dr Wati Aier reached Manipur Press Club around 10:30 am.
The Nagaland team was welcomed by Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony, Manipur (IFPHM) .
On the occasion, Dr Wati Aier read out a note under the headline, "We as neighbours offer our friendship and solidarity', which was jointly signed by Rev Dr N Papino, vice president of Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, vice president of Fellowship of Naga Baptist Churches, Kohima (FNBCK) and Dr Wati himself.
The note began with a line, "In this sad and painful time in our history, a few of our concerned citizens from Nagaland, under the blessings of the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, have travelled to Imphal, the state capital of Manipur".
The note also said the team had come to offer their friendship, show their commitment to end the escalating violence, and express their empathy and solidarity with the people of Manipur.
"We recognize spiralling conditions are dividing - neighbours, friends, and communities - from each other in Manipur," the note added.
The note then said, "Sadly, throughout our shared history, we have witnessed that violence only begets violence which only leads to more human suffering and pain, and destroys relationships with one another and the world around us." The note of the concerned team from Nagaland also said that, as neighbours, "we ask that the people of Manipur give peace a chance and courageously end this continuing cycle of violence" .
The team then encouraged the people of Manipur to walk together for the present and future generations by talking with one another and beginning a dialogue process that connects generations and cultures to heal society.
The note concluded by saying, "We believe in the reconciling work and the profound peace of the divine.
This is the conviction that undergirds our visit.
To this end, we offer our sincere prayers and support." Later, answering to questions from journalists, Dr Wati Aier encouraged the people not to "delay in peace initiatives".
He also said that the situation is a complex one.
"But in the midst of it, we hope for a solution," he added.
He also encouraged like-minded people to start taking up peace initiatives and suggested neutral venues such as Kohima or Dimapur for meetings of peace initiatives if need be.
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