Christian leaders unite at prayer for Manipur

Over 100 key Christian leaders from different communities of Meitei, Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Zomi and Naga joined hands in prayer for peace in Manipur at the Apostles' Methodist Church in New Delhi on May 22.

The economic blockade of the two national highways for over 40 days have severely affected the common and innocent people living in Manipur. The state is home to nearly 40 ethnic tribes belonging to different religions and linguistic communities.

The prayer campaign for peace in Manipur was initiated by All India Christian Council with the theme "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9)." It also emphasized on verse at II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Apart from Christians in Delhi, there were also those participating from neighboring states. Prominent persons from Manipur, Nagaland and other states also were part of the event.

Various Christian leaders representing different tribes of Manipur along with Christian leaders in Delhi and national capital regions - Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad took part in carrying out the prayer movement for peace in Manipur.

Remarkably, people of various tribes namely, Rongmei, Mizo, Kuki, Zaliangrong, Tangkhul Naga, Meitei, Vaiphei, Hmar, Zou, Paite, Gangte, etc. shed their tears in prayers on the occasion in favour of restoring a lasting peace and tranquility in Manipur.

Prayers were offered for the government of Manipur, its political leaders, students unions, NGOs, and village/city authorities, so that they could "work for peace, love and harmony in the state."

"Peace, love, friendship and harmony of people in Manipur are shaken. We need God's guidance and wisdom so the economic blockade can be called off and normal life can return to Manipur," said Rev. Madhu Chandra, regional secretary of AICC.

The ethnic diasporas from Manipur living in Delhi have decided to conduct regular prayer meetings for peace to prevail.