Several Church bodies and civil society organisations have expressed concern over the violence that has hit the state of Manipur and have appealed for restoring peace and tranquillity.
NBCC: Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed deep pain and concern over the loss of lives, violence, vandalism, and burning down of churches and institutions in Manipur.
NBCC, through its president Rev. Dr. V. Atsi Dolie, appealed to Manipur government and the Centre to respond swiftly in an appropriate manner to settle the prevailing issues. “We urge them to take necessary steps to ensure that the situation is brought under control and that the perpetrators of violence are brought to justice,” NBCC stated. The council said that the current unrest has affected the lives of many, not sparing even the children, elderly and the sick, and has caused great damage to the community. NBCC also called upon the people of Manipur to remain calm and give a chance for better alternatives to resolve the issues.
Further, the council also called upon all Baptist churches under NBCC to uphold in prayer for an amicable solution to the present situation. Pray that God will grant healing, peace and comfort to those affected by the unrest and wisdom to those involved in the negotiations and decision-making process, it added.
NBCC said it stands in solidarity with the people of Manipur during this difficult time and would continue to monitor the situation closely. The council also urge upon all to work together towards a peaceful and just solution to the current crisis.
ABAM: Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has condemned the act of brutality against innocent lives particularly killing Christians, burning down churches, vandalizing private houses, and giving rise to religious and social unrest in the region.
ABAM president Rev. Temshi Longkümer and executive secretary Rev. Dr. Prof. Mar Pongener said that they were pained to see the element of elimination of a particular religion or ethnicity through the expansion of power, exploitation of lower tribes or classes, and rejection of morality.
Such acts legitimatize unfair and manipulative powers and structures as there is no commitment toward building an inclusive community, it added.
ABAM, therefore, appealed all right-thinking people to overcome forces that perpetuate dissection and cause polarization and pray for communal harmony amongst the people through unitive agencies. “We pray for God’s comforting touch and healing for all who have been adversely affected by the violence,” ABAM stated and extended solidarity with the victims and prayed for the restoration of peace.
FNBA: Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA) expressed pain at the communal tension and social unrest prevailing in Manipur and urged all the right-thinking citizens to contribute to the early restoration of peace and also provide all necessary help to curb the volatile situation and prevent further aggravation.
FNBA president Rev. Dr. Visor H. Zeliand, vice president Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao and general secretary Rev. Dr. H. Gideon also expressed deep concern over the burning of churches and properties, act of vandalism resulting in injuries and loss of lives, which they said a serious threat to the peaceful coexistence in the State.
FNBA has, therefore, appealed to the government to contain the crisis with wisdom and maturity.
The association also appealed to its federating units in the Northeast to sincerely intercede and pray for the wellbeing of the injured and bereaved families. It also called upon all to pray for normalcy to return at the earliest.
UCFNEI: United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) has expressed its deep pain and concern over the unrest in Manipur and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the situation.
UCFNEI through its spokesperson Allen Brooks called upon all members of society to refrain from engaging in violent acts and to instead engage in peaceful dialogue to address their concerns.
The forum extended condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the unrest. It also urged the authorities to take appropriate measures to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Further, UCFNEI called upon the government to take steps to address the underlying issues that have contributed to this situation and to work towards a lasting solution.
The forum said it stood in solidarity with all those affected by this unrest and pray for peace and reconciliation in the region.
NEIRBC: Bishops of North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC) have appealed for restrain and peace in Manipur in the wake of large-scale violence and unrest in Manipur.
NEIRBC president Archbishop John Moolachira said that violence was never the answer for any lasting solution. The council reminded that violence begets violence and it leaves an indelible scar in the mind of the people.
NEIRBC appealed for an amicable solution to the issue through dialogue and implored the people of Manipur to stop all the violence and vandalism and to work towards restoration of normalcy.
Expressing solidarity with all those affected by the unrest, the bishops requested everyone to pray for peace and normalcy in Manipur and across the region.
NH: Expressing deep concern over the incidents of violence and unrest in Manipur, the Naga Hoho (NH) strongly denounced the shoot-at-sight order issued by the Manipur government.
Describing the order as “a highly dangerous and vindictive approach”, the hoho said the government order violates the principles of democracy and human rights.
NH through media cell said that the use of force would only escalate the situation and lead to more violence and bloodshed, making it an unsustainable solution to any problem.
NH called upon the Manipur government to immediately rescind the shoot-at-sight order for peaceful restoration of law and order in the state.
It also urged all the parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution of the issues at hand.
Further, NH urged the government to take all necessary steps to restore normalcy in the state and protect the safety and security of its citizens.
The hoho expressed belief that dialogue and constructive engagement were the only effective means to address the underlying issues and prevent further escalation of violence.
NH also expressed solidarity with the people of Manipur in their pursuit of peace and prosperity. It called upon all stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions towards finding a lasting solution to the challenges faced by the state.
ENPO: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has expressed deep grief over the lives lost and families, friends, and communities impacted by the ongoing communal violence in Manipur.
ENPO expressed solidarity with those affected by these tragic events, which it said were reminders of the importance of unity amongst communities and acceptance of all people.
ENPO also strongly condemned the burning down of religious places of worship in Imphal.
ENPO has, therefore, appealed to the authority and community leaders to immediately take action and pray for good sense to prevail, which would open up doors for dialogue and negotiations with the stakeholders to avoid further damage and loss of lives.
ENPO further urged all the parties involved to seek an immediate peaceful solution to the crisis.
CNTC: Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) expressed concern over the safety and security of the Nagas and students from Nagaland studying in Manipur due to the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.
CNTC president T Lanu Imchen stated that many of the students from Nagaland had been stranded in different universities and colleges due to the ongoing unrest.
CNTC appealed to the Nagaland government to make necessary arrangements for safety and evacuation of the students before anything happens to those students.
CNTC also expressed solidarity with all those affected by the unrest and appeal for restrain and peace.
APO: Angami Public Organisation (APO) said it was perturbed by the growing escalating violence resulting in loss of many precious lives, damages caused to properties and displacing many people in Manipur.
APO president Razouvotuo Chatsu appealed to the people of Manipur to let the good sense prevail and allow peace and normalcy return in the state.
APO said it condemned any type of violence in the society, adding that a dominant community trying to suppress and exercise diktat over the minorities was highly condemnable. Instead, it said a majority and highly privilege community should show love and compassion to the weaker ones.
APO urged all the warring groups to shun the path of violence and solve any misunderstanding through peaceful dialogue.
It also conveyed solidarity to the tribal people of Manipur in their pursuit to protect their democratic rights. APO expressed displeasure over the mob destroying churches and its properties without any rhyme or reason, which it said was an insult to democracy and secularism as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
APO appealed to the central government to take strong preventive measures by taking the State Government to task and restore peace and normalcy as early as possible.
NSF: Stating that it was deeply perturbed by the ongoing violence and arson in Manipur, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called for better sense to prevail and immediate cessation of all sorts of violence and vandalism.
In a statement, NSF vice president Atokiho Sumi and secretary education Medovi Rhi alleged that thje insensitivity of the Manipur government in its approach towards the issue had instigated the situation to be blown out of proportion.
NSF also strongly condemned all acts of violence, killing and atrocities in Manipur state.
The federation said that the entire region was witness to the many decades of conflict and instability, adding that “our collective aspiration” for lasting peace cannot be negated and held hostage by a few vested interest individuals and groups.
Meanwhile, NSF has appealed to the Nagaland government to take up all possible measures in ensuring the safety and security of the Naga people currently stranded in Manipur.
Further, it appealed to the state government to immediately initiate the evacuation process for the safe passage and arrival of Naga people.
AKM: Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) has expressed deep concern over the violence that was taking place in Manipur and strongly condemned the act of violence and arson, which led to the loss of precious lives and disruption the state of normalcy in the region.
In a statement, AKM vice president Onenpong and general secretary Satemmongba urged all citizens to remain calm and demanded that violence be reduced immediately.
AKM stated that the alleged magnitude of those attacks represented a concerning increase in violence. It stated that killing and discriminating against one another would not result in a better solution. Instead, AKM said “we should be wise enough to approach the situation with an open mind.”
AKM has, therefore, urged all communities and groups to reject violence and respect the law in all circumstances.
AKM also requested the Centre and the state government to take immediate action to address the situation and restore order and stability in the affected area ensure that innocent people were not harmed.
NECCC: North East Congress Coordination Committee (NECCC) has expressed pain at the situation in Manipur, where many people have lost their lives and properties.
NECCC vice-chairman Bobby Panicker stated that people of the North East were always united and love each other like a family. NECCC appealed to all sections of people to maintain peace and restrain from further violence. It also appealed to the Manipur government and the central government to immediately stop the violence and maintain law and order. “Both governments should compensate the victims,” NECCC said and expressed condolences to the bereaved family members.
WMC: As communal flare ups intensity in some districts in Manipur, the World Meetei Council (WMC) has appealed to all the affected communities to refrain from violence.
In a statement, CEC-WMC secretary general Yambem Arun Meetei said that any issue involving violence does not bring any positive result.
WMC appealed to the state government and the centre to bring the situation under control without delay and create a favourable atmosphere to bring peace in the state.
Further, WMC expressed appealed to all the agitators irrespective of communities not to target any religious establishment and people.
DMC: Condemning the violence and animosity that has erupted in Manipur, the Dimapur Meetei Council (DMC) has appealed to all sections to put an end to “this vicious cycle of violence and animosity” and work towards creating a society that is based on peace, harmony, and mutual respect.
DMC through its president Maibam Sanjit and general secretary Ningthoukhongjam Amarjit urged all the citizens of Manipur to come together and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences and work towards a peaceful co-existence.
DMC also implored the communities involved in the agitation to refrain from directing any hostility towards religious institutions.
Further, the council called upon the government and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to
bring an end to the violence and work towards creating an environment of peace and harmony in the
region.
CMC: Chumoukedima Meitei Council (CMC) has condemned violence in Manipur for the last two
days and appealed to the two affected communities and organisations to stop violence to bring peace in the state.
CMC through its media cell termed as “very unfortunate” that the present state government could not address issues between the two communities, which had been living together for the past many centuries and shared common history.
CMC also strongly condemned destruction of religious institutions and properties in Meetei dominated areas, saying religion had nothing to do with any issue.