Interfaith Forum to organize mass prayer for peace and healing in Manipur

Imphal, 19 July (MTNews): The Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony, Manipur, is set to host an interfaith mass prayer program with candle lights on 20 July at the ISKCON Temple complex in Sangaiprou, Imphal West. Leaders representing Hindu, Christian, Islam, Sanamahi, and Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak communities will join hands in prayer, seeking an end to the ongoing violence and turmoil in Manipur.

According to a press release, leaders of Hindu, Christian, Islam, Sanamahi, and Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak communities will take turns to pray for an end to the conflicts, the souls of those who lost their lives, healing for the bereaved families, recovery for the injured, safety, security, and wellbeing for those displaced and living in relief camps, as well as for those who have moved to other states for the safety of their families. Additionally, the prayers will extend to encompass all the people of Manipur who have been affected by the ongoing violent conflicts in the state.

The interfaith mass prayer program will commence at 3:30 p.m. at the ISKCON Temple complex, with at least 200 attendees representing various religious and faith communities across Manipur. Notable attendees include representatives from Hindu Gaudiya Vishnavas, Sanamahi, Christian, Islam, Tingkao Ragwang, Jains, Buddhists, Divine Life Society, Brahmakumaris, Art of Living, and others.

Following the prayers, a poignant moment of unity will be observed as candle lights will be lit at 5:30 p.m. in the ISKCON Temple campus.

The forum appealed to all concerned citizens of Manipur and in India to join the mass prayer and candle-lighting from their own locations, either individually, in groups, or as a community. This expression of human solidarity across divides is believed to foster hope for an end to violence, creating space for healing and reconciliation through dialogue among the affected communities, the forum stated.