As violence continues to grip Manipur for nearly three months now, religious leaders representing various faiths gathered under the banner of the Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony and fasted for peace in the state in Imphal on Sunday.
The gathering aimed to initiate a transformative journey for Manipur, leaving behind a history scarred by ethnic conflicts and paving the way for a harmonious future for generations to come.
The focal point of the event was a collective fasting prayer, undertaken as a moral responsibility in response to the horrific crimes perpetrated against women and children during the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
The participating religious groups included the All Manipur Buddhists Association, All Manipur Christian Organisation, Bhakti Seva Lup/Ekta Parishad, Brahmakumari Manipur, Catholic Diocese, Divine Life Society, Federation of Madrasahs, International Society of Manipuri Gaudiya Vaishnavas, ISKCON, Jain Samaj, Jamat-e-Islami Hind, Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, Mahatma Seva Asram, Manipur Baptist Convention, Meitel Christian Churches Council, Manipur Cultural Integration Conference, Naga Christian Forum Manipur, Rongmel Naga Baptist Association, and Tinkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom (Assam-Manipur-Nagaland).
Throughout the day-long fasting prayer, the religious leaders delved into their respective scriptures, reflecting on the proper treatment of women and children under all circumstances.
They also exchanged ideas on how interfaith collaboration can help prevent such heinous crimes against women in the future.
Speaking to the Imphal Free Press, Deben Bachaspatimayum, the convenor of the forum, highlighted the marginalisation of religion since the onset of the crisis.
This helplessness among the religious leaders, has brought out together to form the forum on June 5, realising the responsibility, he said, adding that the target of the forum is to contain the ethnic conflicts and change the course of future with peace and harmony.
Vice-president of All Naga Christian Forum, Pastor Johnny Shimray, who joined the fasting prayer expressed deep pain and anguish over the ongoing destructive violence that has caused immense human suffering on all sides. He fervently appealed to the government to ensure justice for the people of Manipur and work towards achieving everlasting peace and harmony.
As the religious leaders stand together, their collective voice called for an end to violence and the beginning of a hopeful future for the region.
