TURA, July 2: With the participation of leaders and representatives of different churches from West Garo Hills district, a programme for peace in Manipur was organised at Tura super market ground on Saturday. Placards that read “we pray for peace in Manipur”, “It’s time to stop the violence”, “Love heals, hatred hurts, and violence never solves, dialogue does,” were displayed during the programme by the participants
Fr. Rev FD Sangma led the programme and introduced its meaning to the participants. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues affecting the people of Manipur, particularly the ethnic violence in Manipur.
In his address, Durasal Marak from GBC made a clarion call for restoration of peace and harmony in strife-torn Manipur.
Another speaker at the programme, Jaynie Ningring N Sangma, said that the programme intended to pray and express solidarity with the families of those who have lost their loved one, those made to flee from their homes and the ones who have been scarred by the violence perpetrated in the neighbouring state.
It may be mentioned that more than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic strife between Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state so far.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.
