Catholic faithful of Nongstoiñ Diocese took part in a peace rally to pray for Manipur with a call to end the prolonged mayhem in that state.
The rally was held as per a call given by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), North East Regional Bishops’ Conference and in solidarity with the National level Catholic Organisations all over India.
The first batch from the parishes who took part in the peace rally are from Pyndengrei, Nonbah, Mawkhlam, Mawlyndep, Riangdo, Rambrai, Markasa and Rangblang.
The rally which began from Ladweitang was attended by Bishop of Nongstoiñ Diocese, Rt.Rev.Wilbert Marwein.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Marwein appealed for peace in Manipur and said it is extreme uncertainty prevailing in Manipur and the people all over should stand in solidarity with the people of the state
Calling on the state and central governments to try and endeavour to create an atmosphere conducive to building peace the Bishop questioned, if the ethnic strife between Meitei and Kuki communities was caused by granting of schedule tribe status then why institutions and churches are burnt down.
The Bishop said there are other forces behind the violence in Manipur that has brought about widespread bloodshed among the tribals, which has brought shame to the North East. He cautioned that people must be aware of such forces.
Others who spoke at the rally were Marcel Myrthong, Yondalin Nongkynrih and prayers led by Fr. Nicolas Maiong.
