IT News
Imphal, July 11:
An interfaith rally appealing for end of violence and initiatives for dialogue was taken out today in Palace compound Imphal.
A large of number people, approximately around 500, belonging to diverse religious/faith traditions, ethnic and spiritual communities actively participated in the rally, expressing their voices against the continuing violence, for saving lives and humanity, and initiatives for dialogue etc.
The rally was organized by Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony, Manipur (IFPH). Five MPs from Kerala and Tamil Nadu also joined the rally to express their solidarity with the interfaith initiatives.
Addressing the media in the campus of Bal Vidya Mandir, Deben Bachaspatimayum, Convenor, IFPH said people of all age and sex who participated in the rally are concerned citizens of India who also represented the core values of humanity across diverse religious, faiths and spiritual communities in the state. He added that the rally was to collectively mourn for the death of over hundreds of precious lives in this war like situation in Manipur; Say our prayers and supports for healing thousands who are injured in their bodies, hearts and minds, orphaned and displaced in thousands of relief camps; share our collective empathies and solidarity with lakhs of innocent people across the divides who have become victims of the ongoing ethnic violence who remain voiceless and helpless and to extend collective support and solidarity with women organizations and concerned senior citizens groups who have started calling for ceasefire and dialogue.
Deben further stated that the members of interfaith forum were brought together by the history of Manipur to play a role in this warlike situation and said that the forum considered it as moral, social and historical responsibilities to make a collective humble appeal to all concerns including state and non-state parties to stop the violence immediately for save humanity for the present and future children. And also to create safe space and social infrastructures to build trust and confidence across the divides for humanitarian services to reach all who are in need and to initiate inclusive and sustained dialogue processes by using neutral and professional groups
Stating that saving life is greater than killing, the Convenor stated the forum will take further actions in consultations and collaboration with likeminded people across India if violence continues.
Members of the forum comprises of 1) All Manipur Buddhists Assn, 2) All Manipur Christian Orgn, 3) Art of Living, Manipur, 4) Bhakti Seva Lub/Ekta Parishad, 5) Brahmakumari Manipur, 6) Catholic Diocese Imphal, 7) Divine Life Society, Manipur, 8) Federation of Madrasahs, Manipur, 9) International Society of Gaudiya Vaishnavas, 10) International Society of Krishna Consciousness, Manipur, 11) Jain Samaj, Manipur, 12) Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Manipur, 13) Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, 14) Mahatma Seva Ashram, Manipur, 15) Manipur Baptist Convention, 16) Meitei Christian Church Council Manipur, 17) Manipur Cultural Integration Conference, 18) Naga Christian Forum Manipur 19), Rongmei Naga Baptist Association, 20) Tinkao Ragwang Chapriak, Phom (ANM), etc.
