The north-east is home to over 40 ethnic groups, often at odds with each other. Christian leaders gather them all to pray together for peace and development.

Manipur (AsiaNews / CBCI) - A inter-Christian meeting, convened to pray for peace and development of internal ethnic groups, was held in late May in the Methodist Church of the Apostles of Manipur. Over a hundred Christian leaders were present, representing the ethnic Meitei, Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Naga and Zomi. The meeting was supported by the All India Christian Council, on the theme "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."

Totong Haokip, a theology student, worked 15 years in the slums of Delhi. Speaking at the meeting, he said: "In Manipur, all communities maintain their vision of tribal life. This puts a strain on peace. But Christian denominations support the principle of equality, and this is why Christians can not make such distinctions. Let us pray to God that this selfishness will disappear. "

The ethnic problem is not just an issue in Manipur, but throughout north-eastern India: "Our country needs Christ’s Good News, but this can only be proclaimed to the world with peace and harmony. We always remember that our Lord looks inside each of us, not at the outside".

Lamboi Suantak, who leads an organization of Christian youth in Delhi, added: "This prayer meeting is a significant step forward. Our leaders have done well to convene it. Now, I hope that peace and love will blossom between the different communities of Manipur and Nagaland. This is my constant prayer. "

North-eastern India is home to over 40 different ethnic groups, each with its own different history and language. Inter-ethnic tensions have often led to social unrest, which the Catholic Church and Christian groups have repeatedly condemned.  

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