The Secretary of Minority Affairs of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), Y. Shyam, has extended greetings to all citizens of Manipur on the occasion of Merry Christmas, wishing them peace, happiness, and prosperity.
In a statement, he reportedly described the displacement of Indigenous people from their homes and land as a sin against the Almighty, citing Proverbs 22:28 and 23:10–11. He noted that over 60,000 people have been displaced from their homes and land since the outbreak of the May 3, 2023 conflict in Manipur, and attributed this situation to the policies of the Indian government. According to the statement, the continuous encroachments, land conflicts, and property seizures have worsened the crisis, and Shyam urged the Indian government to take decisive action to resolve disputes over land ownership and restore peace and order in the region.
The statement also reflected on the significance of Lord Jesus Christ’s birth, highlighting how He was laid in a manger in Bethlehem and spread peace and comfort to those around Him. It emphasised Christ’s teachings of love, forgiveness, and living in harmony, citing John 13:34, and noted that His crucifixion bore the sins of humanity, granting redemption and inspiring believers to act with compassion, patience, and understanding (Ephesians 4:32).
Through the statement, Shyam reportedly called upon people to follow Christ’s example by fostering goodwill, helping one another, and living peacefully in society, while reiterating the urgency of addressing the ongoing displacement and land disputes in Manipur.