Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Imphal (Agenzia Fides) - It is necessary to stop the spiral of violence, which is harmful and leaves deep wounds, both physical and moral; provide protection and care to victims; begin a process and a period of reconciliation and examine the demands of the Kuki and Meitei ethnic communities concerned. (see Fides, 9/6/2023 and 9/5/2023). This is what religious representatives demanded at the meeting of the "Manipur Cultural Integration Council" in the city of Imphal, the capital of the Indian state of Manipur in northwestern India.
A total of 18 representatives of religious communities including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and representatives of local and traditional cults attending the meeting issued a heartfelt appeal to put an end to the ongoing violence in Manipur and "further joint initiatives in cooperation with civil and religious institutions and help the victims of violence". The text calls for "the provision of medical assistance and healing and care to all those who have been affected by the wave of violence in Manipur" and expressly invites all faith communities to "participate, directly contribute and contribute to reconciliation".
The text sent to Fides says: "As a group of people of different religious traditions and beliefs in Manipur, we mourn together with all those who have lost loved ones and neighbors and share the suffering of many others who are amidst the ongoing violence in their hearts, minds and bodies". "This violence has left all of us, belonging to different religious communities and faith traditions, equally powerless and desperate," the appeal continues, "but this common helplessness and fear has also encouraged and brought us all together to make a common appeal for an end to this violence".
"We humbly appeal to all, on all sides," the religious leaders said, "to leave violence behind to save the humanity that is still in our hearts and minds. This is essential to save and protect our present and future generations from the terror of this violence which is destroying us. Let us pray together to the God in whom each of us believes for the healing of wounds and the recovery of humanity that is getting out of hand".
Catholic representatives attending the meeting included Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati Thomas Menamparampil, who recently visited Manipur, and visited the areas of the indigenous Kuki people and subsequently the areas of the Meitei community to meet with their representatives. The archbishop used his influence to reach out to people on both sides to promote peace. The Archbishop also met with senior officials and intellectuals who have moral authority over their community. "I had talks with religious leaders from both sides and the meeting of religious leaders who made an appeal for peace was the fruit of these efforts that must continue," he tells Fides.
The archbishop points out that "at the moment there is a lot of tension and the wounds are still fresh". "Young people are emotionally involved and it is also difficult for older people to calm them down", explains the bishop "The number of deaths and property damage is even higher than official figures. There are no easy solutions, but we are trying to embark on a path of dialogue. As Christians, we are trying to do our part for peace". (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 14/6/2023)
