Newmai News Network
Imphal: A 30-member team from Nagaland state came to Imphal today and prayed for peace and harmony in Manipur. The team also offered their services in the efforts to bring peace in the state.
The team led by Rev. Dr. Wati Aier arrived at Manipur Press Club in Imphal around 10:30 am. The Nagaland team was welcomed by Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony, Manipur (IFPHM) at the press club.
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On the occasion, Rev. 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, Nagaland (NJCFN), Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, vice president of Fellowship of Naga Baptist Churches, Kohima (FNBCK) and Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, convenor, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
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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 spiraling 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, Rev. 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. Dr. Wati also suggested neutral venues such as Kohima or Dimapur for meetings of peace initiatives if need be.
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