More than one hundred women on Thursday gathered and joined in prayerful intercessions in Ukhrul town to show solidarity with the anti-coup protesters in Myanmar.
Mournful prayers, denouncement of the ongoing military crackdowns on the anti-coup protesters and a collective call for restoration of democracy in the neighbouring country marked the hour-long event which commenced at 11:30 am and continued till 12:30 pm.
Clad in ‘Kathi Kashan’, a traditional Tangkhul wrap-around skirt which is worn as a sign of grief or mourning, the women participants held different placards reading “UN and India must intervene,” “Democracy and Peace,” “Bloodshed is not the solution,” ” Junta and Tyranny,” “Restore democracy in Myanmar,” and others as they submerged themselves in prayerful intercessions.
The gathering was organised by Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL-Tangkhul Women’s League) under the banners of “We are with you brothers and sisters in Myanmar,” and “Restore Democracy in Myanmar” at its Winotang office campus.
Speaking on the occasion, TSL president Veronica Zingkhai said that the gathering was organised to show support and solidarity and pray for the people of Myanmar who are currently under violent military suppression since the military coup on February 1.
“We believe as Christians it’s appropriate for us to hold a gathering with prayer seeking divine mercy because God can change the will and mindset of junta leadership who are oppressing and killing the peaceful protesters,” she said.
“Through this prayer gathering, we are reaching out to all brothers and sisters who are caught in a web of endless atrocity and tribulation,” Veronica added.
She also informed that towards providing assistance to those affected by the brutal military attacks, TSL has collected a sum of Rs. 69,000 as offering from among its members and well-wishers from different localities of the town over the past week.
Giving a solidarity message, TKS president Shimri Raising expressed strong condemnation against the brutality perpetrated on peaceful anti-coup protesters by military junta in Myanmar.
“We mourn the mounting casualties suffered by the innocent civilians at the hands of the brutal military forces since February 1,” he said, adding that the people of Ukhrul stood in solidarity with the brothers and sisters in Myanmar who have lost as many as 149 precious lives including that of women and children.
He said that at a time when the global community was expanding their horizon for a peaceful coexistence, the present situation in Myanmar wherein the military forces unleashed a reign of terror, destroying its own citizens was an alarm for the whole world.
The student leader then urged United Nations Organisations (UNO) to show its relevancy to the grim situation and immediately intervene for restoration of democracy and peace in the neighbouring country.
Representatives of Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) and Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) also joined the TSL members in the event.