Imphal stares at muted Christmas

Imphal, Dec 24 (DIPR)
The collective call of Church bodies to hold the coming Christmas in a low-key manner in view of the violent conflict besieging Manipur has stifled the Christmas festivities even as many pray for peace in the trouble-torn State.
Given the painful situation in which the cries of the bereaved families and those whose houses and properties were destroyed in the strife across the State, many devout Christians said this Christmas would be about caring and giving for the victims.
Pastor of Tangkhul Baptist Church Rev Khayaipam Khamrang said this year Christmas will be different from other years.
“While there will be community celebrations during our service on the evening of 24th December and 25th morning, we’ve encouraged and requested our members not to indulge in lavish spending and grand feasting, instead use their resources to help those who are marginalised in the current crisis and those in need,” he added.
“Celebrating Christmas this year will be about sharing, caring for others and less about ourselves, all in the name of Jesus Christ,” he added. Echoing Khayaipam, a Christian from Nagaram in Imphal, Thuireisang Shinglai said this Christmas will be quiet due to the conflict between two communities.
“Last year it was pretty amazing because all of us were together and celebrated as one. But this year due to the current situation, we’re unable to have a grand festival. I hope all of us can come together as one and figure out a solution and live together in peace like before,” he said.
The impact of the strife has also hit the X-Mas gift outlets/dealers in Imphal as one of them said, “we used to do brisk sale during Christmas but this year we could sell only 25 per cent of what was sold last year.  I hope the situation will improve soon”.
Extending its Christmas greetings, the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MYNO) expressed heartfelt wishes for peace among the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Emphasizing unity and understanding, MYNO urged everyone to build bridges of friendship, fostering harmony across Manipur’s diverse cultures.
Athot Keitang, MNYO president, affirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting peace and goodwill, not just during the festive season but throughout the year.
A few days back, the All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) had called upon heads of denominational Churches and Christians of the State to celebrate the ensuing Christmas in low key in the spirit of peace, forgiveness, love and unity.