On Sunday, members of the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship in India held a candlelight march to pray for the restoration of peace in the neighboring state of Manipur. The march, which took place at the Nagaland Baptist Church Council Convention Centre, brought together individuals from all walks of life who held placards advocating for peace, healing, and understanding between the warring communities. The death toll from the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has reached over 100 people.
NBCC general secretary Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho addressed the gathering, stating that there seems to be no one, including the state government or center, taking serious measures to bring healing to the region. He argued that the root cause of the conflict must be addressed with urgency and sincerity to prevent further violence. In urging the government to act, he appealed for equal protection to be accorded to all communities in Manipur.
The conflict began on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for roughly 53% of Manipur’s population and live mainly in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals- Nagas and Kukis- constitute 40% of the population and reside in the hill districts.
The candlelight march was organized with the intention of showing solidarity and standing in prayer for the suffering of the individuals and families affected by the violence. The organizers stressed that the gathering was not an opportunity to cast blame, but rather a chance to bring together members of all communities to advocate for peace and justice.
As of now, neither the state government nor the center has made any statements regarding these incidents of ethnic violence.
