In Kangpokpi human chain prayer held, urges PM to break silence

Manipur: Residents of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district come together for a human chain prayer ceremony. The gathering paid tribute to the lives lost during the ongoing fighting in the state. This incident occurred despite two incidents of firing being reported in the district last night.
Organized by Kuki Nampi Taona, the apex body of the Kuki Prayer Cell, the human chain prayer stretched for about 40 kilometers along National Highway-2, which passes through Kangpokpi district. However, the peaceful prayers were marred by an unfortunate attack by miscreants in Hengjang village near Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district.
The incident took place around midnight in which indiscriminate firing was done with modern weapons. An army man was injured in the attack which lasted for half an hour.
Shortly thereafter, there was also a brief attack on the village of Phaileng in a sensitive peripheral area of ​​Kangpokpi district near Sekmai, but no casualties were reported. Despite the previous night’s violence, thousands of resilient people, especially women, braved the rain and gathered in the morning.
They stood, sat and knelt on the wet ground, forming a human chain that stretched from Taphou Kuki village bordering Sinapati district to Gamgiphai village west of Imphal. Their prayers resonated with mourning the loss of lives and pleas for justice and peace in Manipur’s current crisis.
As part of their prayer, participants placed Bible verses on the side of the road, seeking divine intervention. Moreover, he fervently prayed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence and impose Article 365 (President’s Rule) in Manipur. Their hopes that such an initiative will pave the way for solving the ongoing problems and achieving justice.
As a symbol of protection from God, Kuki Nampi Taona leaders erected a large cross at the Kangpokpi border gate in Gamgiphai village. Reverend S.T. KNT adviser Onmang Haokip inaugurated the human chain prayer and emphasized that the Kuki community has remained steadfast in its prayers for peace in Manipur since violence erupted in the state.
They expressed confidence that his prayers would be answered, bringing much-needed peace to the land.
KNT member from Saparmeina, Nunnem Haokip, stood in solidarity with the two communities that have suffered losses in the ongoing violence. He expressed his condolences and prayed fervently for the eternal peace of the departed souls. Nunnem believed that only through the intervention of the central government, with divine presence, could healing and peace be restored to the communities and the state of Manipur.
They emphasized that the intervention of the central government was the community’s only hope, suggesting that invoking Article 365 (President’s rule) could potentially resolve the current crisis.
Another KNT member, Tracy Kipgen, highlighted that the human chain prayer marked the end of a five-day fast held in various churches in the district. He also observed the day as a mourning period for the loss of many loved ones from both communities who laid down their lives defending their land and people.
Tracy expressed dismay at Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s description of the Kuki community as “poppy growers, illegal immigrants, and narco-terrorists”. Such labeling has led to hostility and conflict with the state machinery and its people.
Tracy further lamented that her brave husbands, sons and brothers were labeled as militants despite their tireless efforts to protect their land.
In addition to the challenges faced, people living in the area where the human chain prayers were held have received threats from the head of Meitei Leepun to disband them. However, Tracy expressed her unwavering belief in God’s protection, firmly believing that God would protect both the earth and its inhabitants.
She emphasized that every land belongs to the Creator and they will live in that area until the Day of the Lord.
Expressing deep concern, Tracy also addressed the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s high-profile visit to the conflict-torn state of Manipur and nearly 50 days of violence, the prime minister has yet to utter a word on the issue.
Tracy stressed that this silence causes deep pain and suffering to the affected communities, urging the Prime Minister to break his silence and deliver the justice and solutions they so desperately seek.