Calling for shunning violence and to spread peace, Concerned Nagas held a prayer meeting on October 31 at Clock Tower.
In the meeting, seeking God’s blessings and intervention, Khrieleno Terhuja addressed the gathering and prayed for peace in the land.
The hymn, “Guide me thou O great Jehovah” was sung by the gathering and the Bible reading was taken from Psalm 122:6-9.
As a pledge for peace and non-violence, before man and before God, the gathering, each in their own respective languages read together, Psalm 23.
Dr. Deben from Manipur and a professor based in Dimapur, who attended the meeting said he stood in solidarity with the prayer meeting for the reason that, “Naga people have suffered so much in the violent conflict, experienced over the decades altogether”.
He expressed that with the peace process coming to a close “there is a lot of fear for renewed violence across the community” and shared his concern about potential “replication of violence across the communities”. There was a need to join in prayer and work collectively for peace, he stated.
Later, Yanbemo Ovung, a church leader, who also spoke in meeting said, “when we talk about peace it is not only words but actions”. He read out from John 14: 27 and stated that, “Nagas thinks that peace will come from heaven but Jesus has already assured and left peace on this earth.
The meeting concluded with a mass prayer for peace and for wisdom, love and forgiveness for each other. The prayer programme was led by Veshoselu Swuro.
Meanwhile, the Concerned Nagas expressed gratitude to Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur and Commissioner of Police for granting permission to use Clock Tower and also thanked all individuals for attending the prayer meeting.
BCVCU holds special mass prayer
Baghty Circle Village Council Union (BCVCU) also held a special mass prayer programme for early and honourable solution to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks at Baghty town on October 31.
The prayer meeting was attended by church leaders, students, youths, women, public leaders, elders etc.
Further, BCVCU appealed to the Nagas to come together under a spiritual platform and let the differences resolved for inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution.
This was stated in a press statement issued by Baghty Circle Village Council Union president, N. John Murry.