Ukhrul: The Imphal Naga Forum (INF) said it held a prayer summit to address the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The event brought together Naga ordained ministers, pastors, Christian leaders, and public figures from Imphal, aiming to find a common ground for lasting peace in the state.
The prayer meet, organized by the INF, it said included church leaders and pastors from various denominations. The gathering focused on seeking divine intervention and deliberating on ways to bring enduring peace to the strife-torn region.
A press release issue on Saturday by the Information and Publicity Wing, Imphal Naga Forum said, a resolution was passed to appeal to the United Naga Council (UNC) to reconsider and retract their resolution from May 29, 2024. This resolution, decided during an emergency assembly in Chandel, barred three Naga leaders— Alfred Kangam Arthur, Kho John, and Dr. Allyson Abonmai—from holding any public position or office in Naga society for seven years.
The summit, presided over by INF convenor Ambition Anth Thangal, saw heartfelt prayers from the congregation, imploring for heavenly peace to return to Manipur. AS Hongpro Shimray, General Secretary of INF, recorded the proceedings, while Dr. Chance Raman, special advisor to INF, explained the urgency of the prayer meet in light of escalating violence in the state, INF stated.
Former UNC President G Gaingam, now the convenor of the UNC Peace Committee, INF said highlighted the importance of Article 371(c) of the Indian Constitution, which recognizes separate administrations for the hills and the valley in Manipur. He also emphasized the need for respect towards the mandate given to elected representatives.
According to INF, the gathering concluded with a decision to hold a conclave on July 4, 2024. This upcoming event will include Naga church leaders, politicians, public figures, and social activists, who will discuss the emerging political scenario and the worsening ethnic violence in Manipur, particularly concerning the Naga community in Imphal.
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