Inter-faith Advent Christmas programme held in Imphal, focus on peace and reconciliation

An inter-faith Advent Christmas celebration was held on December 21, 2025, at Diamond Jubilee Park, Adimjati Shiksha Ashram, Imphal, under the auspices of the Imphal Naga Forum (INF), with prayers offered for peace, healing and stability in Manipur.
The programme, organised as an advance Christmas celebration and preparatory prayer meeting during the Advent season, brought together leaders from Meitei, Thadou and Naga communities. The organisers conveyed that the gathering was intended to pray collectively for an early return of peace and to promote harmony among different communities in the State. The Imphal-based INF, described as a peace advocacy and pressure group, extended Christmas and New Year greetings to peace-loving people of Manipur.
The event was attended by leaders and representatives of several civil society organisations, including Taragi Cheishu, COCOMI, AMESCO, Ima Keithel Marup, the Roadside Vendor Welfare Association of Khwairamband Ema Keithel, Eramdam Kanba Lup, Emagi Meira Lup and the FNCC. Representatives of TPOI, TNBC and the Rongmei Naga People’s Organization from Manipur, Assam and Nagaland were also present.
It was stated that Pu Lamjathang Michael Haokip, a senior Thadou leader, State BJP spokesperson and former UNC president, attended the programme. Renowned gospel artist Gloria presented devotional songs as part of the event. INF convenor Ambition Anth delivered the welcome note and presented Christmas gifts to the invitees.
Dr Reverend Khayaipam Khamrang, Pastor of Tangkhul Baptist Church, Imphal, conveyed Christmas greetings and spoke on the importance of forgiveness, reflection and reconciliation during the festive season. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ashang Kasar, chief strategist of INF, followed by a community feast.