ASIA/INDIA - THE ROLE OF CHRISTIANS TO PROMOTE RECONCILIATION IN ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS CONFLICT IS BEING DISCUSSED IN NORTH EAST INDIA – UNITY IN DIVERSITY, CHRISTIANS OF DIFFERENT COMMUNIONS TOGETHER FOR PEACE

Tuesday, 14 October 2003

Imphal (Fides Service) – the North Eastern region of India is one of the most unstable due to social and ethnic clashes, land disputes between different tribes and communities, and a half a century old movement for independence from central federal government. To discuss how Christians can help promote reconciliation and solve disputes, recently 16 leaders of different Christian confessions met in Imphal, capital of Manipur state in north east India.
The different Christians agreed that ecumenical unity was a first step towards harmony. “After years of misunderstanding at last we are together to speak from the same pulpit: this is truly the work of God. With the grace of God we are gathered here to preach reconciliation. This is a good start” said Catholic priest, Father George of Imphal archdiocese.
“Unity among Christians is important if we are to promote reconciliation in society around us. We must work with this conviction” said Baptist Pastor Simon who is sure that Christians can be mediators in solving conflict.
Lay Catholic Peter Senpu Kuki, who also attended the meeting, stressed the importance of familiarity with culture and mentality for ending situations of conflict: “It is necessary to read the hearts and minds of the disagreeing parties: if there is desire for revenge we must try to remove this tending to hatred and replace it with dialogue and forgiveness”.
Local Christians are particularly concerned about the situation in the Chandal district in Manipur state where inter-ethnic conflict causes harm to women and children. The Christian community feels it has a duty to intervene to prevent an escalation of violence.
Manipur state a crossroads for international drug trafficking has for more than 30 years been the scene of inter-ethnic and separatist violence. In 1947, when India gained independence, the Naga hill people in north Imphal started a struggle to be free of central government, a struggle which has gained impetus in these past fifty years. Rebel groups fighting for independence often hide in the jungle. The Naga want their own Nagaland with people of only one ethnic group. PA (Fides Service 14/10/2003 EM lines 39 Words: 371)


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