Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondence North East
Imphal: (DIPR) The collective call of church bodies to hold the coming Christmas in a low-key manner in view of the ongoing ethnic conflict besieging Manipur has put the festivity spirit stifled even as many prayed for peace in the trouble-torn state.
Given the impulsive situation in which the cries of the bereaved families and those whose houses and properties were destroyed in the strife reverberated across the state, many devout Christians said this Christmas would be about caring and giving for the victims.
Unlike the previous years, this time a mild yuletide air envelopes the hill district and some Christian pockets in Imphal valley.
Pastor of Tangkhul Baptist Church Rev Khayaipam Khamrang said this year Christmas will be different from other years.
“While there will be community celebrations during our service on the evening of 24th and 25th morning, we’ve encouraged and requested our members not to indulge in lavish spending and grand feasting, instead use their resources to help those who are marginalised in the current crisis and those in need,” he added.
“With this they hope that celebrating Christmas this year will be about sharing, caring of others and less about ourselves, all in the names of Jesus Christ, said the devout Christian,” he added.
Echoing Khayaipam, a Christian from Nagaram in Imphal, Thuireisang Singlai said this Christmas have not been that great because there has been a conflict between some of our community.
“Last year it was pretty amazing because all of us were united and celebrated as one. But this year due to the current situation we’re unable to have a grand festival. I hope all of us can come together as one and figure out a solution and live together in peace like before,” he said.
The impact of the strife has also hit the X-Mas gift outlet dealers in Imphal as one of them quipped “we used to do brink sale during Christmas but this year we could sale only 25% of what was sold last year. I hope the situation will improve soon.
Extending its Christmas greetings, the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) expressed heartfelt wishes for peace among the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Emphasizing unity and understanding, MNYO urged everyone to build bridges of friendship, fostering harmony across Manipur’s diverse cultures. Athot Keitang, MNYO’s president, affirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting peace and goodwill, not just during the festive season but year-round.
A few days back, the All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) had called upon heads of denominational churches and Christians of the state to celebrate the ensuing Christmas in a low –key manner in the spirit of peace, forgiveness, love and unity.
