Manipur has been bleeding for more than 50 days now with the series of violence continuing, in solidarity for the people of riot-hit Manipur, North East India Christian Council organised a candlelight vigil and standing in prayer in Shillong.
Leaders and representations of various church bodies in and around Shillong gathered at All Saints Cathedral to pray for the restoration of peace and harmony in the strife torn State of Manipur.
Displaying placards which reads, ‘Let peace return in Manipur’, ‘Christians are also Citizens of India,’ ‘Why burning churches,’ ‘Lord have mercy on Manipur’, ‘It’s time to stop violence,’, ‘Only peace can save Manipur,’ they prayed for safeguarding religious freedom in Manipur.
Rv. SR Dkhar, Vice President North East India Christian Council said by bringing the churches in North East India together, this peace vigil is organised.
Rev Dkhar said the intention was to, “Pray and express solidarity with the families of those who have lost their loved ones, those who have been left homeless with nothing and displaced to different places within the state and those who have suffered psychological scars. ”
A section of the Media reported that more than 300 churches have been destroyed in Manipur. Thousands of people are waiting out the unrest in makeshift shelters.
“To pray for the church, religious community leaders across the society to have the wisdom, understanding and responsibility to come together to initiate the process of reconciliation,” he added.
Empathizing with the utter despair, fear and uncertain life situation faced by the common people with the utter despair, fear and uncertain life situation faced by the common people, they call for peace in Manipur.
“To pray for safeguarding religious freedom in Manipur as it has been reported. More than 300 religious place of worship have been burnt down and destroyed signalling the lost of the freedom to worship in many places and manifesting particular hatred towards certain religious traditions,” the church leader said.