The Bishops of the 15 Catholic dioceses of Northeast India have expressed deep anguish over the continuing violence and suffering in Manipur, condemning violence in all forms and calling for an immediate end to retaliation, inflammatory speeches and rumours.

The Bishops issued the appeal following their annual meeting held at the Archbishop’s House in Shillong from September 7 to 9.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Bishops of Northeast India by Most Rev John Moolachira, President of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC), the Bishops said numerous lives had been lost, families displaced and places of worship destroyed, while the suffering of people continued. They stressed that no grievance, however legitimate, could be resolved through violence, arson or hatred spread through social media.

“Violence only breeds more violence. It has no winner and leaves only deeper wounds for the next generation to inherit,” they said.

The Bishops said the Christian community could not remain a silent spectator to the suffering and unequivocally condemned violence by any group or community.

They appealed to community leaders, the State and Central governments and the people of Manipur to immediately shun all forms of violence and retaliation and refrain from inflammatory speeches and the spread of rumours.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Calling for a peaceful resolution, the Bishops urged all stakeholders to embrace sincere dialogue, justice and cooperation, stressing that lasting peace could be achieved only through dialogue and discussion.

Drawing on the Christian teachings of forgiveness and reconciliation, they called for impartial protection of all citizens, unbiased humanitarian assistance and an inclusive peace process.

The Bishops also appealed to people of goodwill to pray for peace in Manipur and said Church institutions would continue to serve all victims without discrimination while working to promote peace and goodwill.

“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, truth and reconciliation,” the statement said.

The Bishops urged all communities to choose the path of non-violence, dialogue and reconciliation and “walk together towards peace”.