FNR holds solidarity and prayer watch for Manipur

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), in coordination with Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Fellowship of Naga Baptist Churches and Chümoukedima Town Pastors’ Fellowship, held ‘Solidarity and Prayer Watch for Manipur’ at City Square, Chümoukedima, on Sunday.
Delivering the solidarity word, Niketu Iralu spoke on the long-standing issues plaguing Manipur and condemned the prevailing situation. He cautioned that the troubles of Manipur could easily extend to other parts of the Northeast, including Nagaland, if authorities in Delhi continued to endorse or allowed these to unfold.
Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, he urged people to engage in intelligent speculation to understand the root causes of the problems, but warned against adopting self-righteous attitude or making shallow judgments when discussing Manipur’s predicament. He reminded the gathering that the very same weaknesses and failures that led to the horrific events in Manipur also existed in all individuals in varying degrees.
Drawing attention to experiences such as fear, insecurity, doubt, confusion, and frustration felt by people in Manipur, Iralu noted that these were often ignored and left unattended to due to the absence of selflessness and discipline that were required to address the underlying issues.
He alleged that lack of responsibility displayed by not just the leaders but also individuals contributed to the unrest and disorder in the neighbouring state, warning that such actions by so-called leaders in the state could potentially lead to a similar crisis in Nagaland.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, the elder Naga statesman quoted Dorothy L Sawyer, “War is a judgement that overtakes societies when they have been living upon ideas that conflict too violently with the laws governing the universe. Never think that wars are irrational catastrophic; they happen when wrong ways of thinking and living bring about intolerable situations.”
Delivering a short message, FNR convener Rev Dr Wati Aier emphasized the importance of love, care, and unity among humanity. He said they all had gathered because they cared for one another as children of common humanity longing for healing.
He message centred around faith in God who could transform death and life, offering hope against hatred, violence, and death.
He highlighted God’s boundless patience and enduring hope, which could not be extinguished even in difficult circumstances and encouraged finding hope through Christ, overcoming the cycle of hatred, violence, and death, and living in peace.
A symbolic act of laying flowers was held by the Meiteis and Kukis residing in Nagaland to honour those who lost their lives, signifying solidarity with the victims and their loved ones.
Rev Aier called upon the gathering to hold their hands together, symbolizing unity and solidarity. He expressed the hope that this would send a message to the whole world and those in Manipur to prove that all could live together.
The event was chaired by Dr Ellen K Jamir, while God’s word and opening prayer was offered by Rev Moses Murry.
A special number was delivered by Faith in Action Bible College, while a special song titled “Manipur, may you heal soon” was performed by Tiameren Aier.
Pastor M Omega and Lamneiphal Khonsai delivered short readings of prayers and Rev Dr Heni Gedeon offered the benediction.