SW News: Amid the growing tensions in India’s North Eastern state of Manipur and reports of violence, the Catholic prelates of the region have called for peace and calm.

This appeal for peace was made by the bishops of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Conference on Sunday after an emergency meeting in Silchar during the episcopal consecration of Rev. Joachim Walder as the auxiliary bishop of Aizawl in the state of Mizoram.

In a statement, Bishop John Moolachira, the chairman of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council, said, “It is with great pain and intense anxiety that we have been following the great tragedies that have taken place in Manipur recently. We grieve with our brothers and sisters who have fallen victims to violence and have suffered the consequence.

In the statement, the prelate grieved the loss of precious lives and property. Bishop Moolachira also said a large number of people have been forced to leave the state of Manipur where bloody clashes between ethnic groups took place. “The atmosphere continues to be tense. Painful incidents are still reported. While we have initiated relief work, we are far from a position to cope with the situation. We cry for help on behalf of those who suffer,” said the prelate.

On behalf of his brother bishops, the prelate appealed to all friends in the state to spare a thought about the glorious history when various communities collaborated and set a role model in various segments of civic life. “Their cultural achievements have been many. Their contribution to the nation has been in various areas of life. Great possibilities still remain, if only they put their good will and talents together,” said Bishop Moolachira.

He also exhorted the intellectuals and thinkers in all communities to come out with ways to defuse the crisis and find a constructive way forward to iron out differences. “They will surely find areas where concessions can be made in view of the common good and collaborative steps can be initiated in view of a shared future. Both communities concerned know their destinies are intertwined,” said the chairman of the council.

The state witnessed clashes between the majority Hindu Meitei community members and the Christian majority Kuki tribals leaving scores dead, hundreds of houses, churches and other buildings torched and forcing thousands to flee to safer areas. An uneasy peace prevails in the state with several units of the Indian military being deployed to restore law and order.