Concerned Nagas call for honest conversations, unity & non-violence

Members of Concerned Nagas during the prayer meeting held at City Tower, Dimapur on October 31. (Photo Courtesy: Concerned Nagas)

Dimapur, October 31 (MExN): recognizing the need to spread the message of peace, brotherhood and non-violence to all, Concerned Nagas held a prayer meeting at City Tower, Dimapur this morning. 

In the meeting, seeking God’s blessings and intervention, Khrieleno Terhuja addressed the gathering and prayed for peace in the land.

As per a press release from the organization, Terhuja in her sharing said, “It may seem we are living in an age where we have no concern for one another. The society is going too fast. But we must be concerned, because we are living in a society which requires concern and regard for one another.”

She quoted Roman 16 from the Bible, where 28 names are mentioned and how individuals supported Paul to spread the good news of Jesus in the Roman Empire.

Likewise, today we need one another to support and spread the message of peace and reconciliation, Terhuja stressed, pointing out that the first name in the chapter mentioned by Paul was a woman named Phoebe, stating the importance of women’s involvement in our search for peace. 

As a pledge for peace and non-violence before man and before God, the gathering read Psalm 23, the release stated.

Awala Jamir witnessed before the gathering that she was standing there, “As a younger generation, trying to remember the past, healing the present and move to the future, but I cannot do it with all the hatred inside me. I stand here to start changing and begin with me.  I do not know what to do with my hatred. I want God to come and deal with me as I cannot do it myself.”

Dr Deben, a professor based in Dimapur also stood in solidarity with the gathering. “Naga people have suffered so much in the violent conflict, experienced over the decades altogether,” he held.

Dr Deben shared his concern about potential “replication of violence across the communities,” and the need to join in prayer and work collectively for peace. 

As a Christian dominated state, he held that “Nagaland should be the most peaceful place in the world.” Maintaining that division, tribalism, nominalism in religion, jealousy, hatred and such feelings are “destroying us,” he urged all to seek God and become peace makers.

“We are a Naga family. We need to promote peace not only for today but for our children and generations to come in our land and for others to see,” Ovung encouraged. The meeting concluded with a mass prayer for peace, wisdom, love and forgiveness for each other. The prayer programme was led by Veshoselu Swuro.

Meanwhile, the organizationthe organization called upon the Naga brothers and sisters to do what they can to display symbols of peace at their homes, schools, churches, colonies and businesses. It also urged all to “show the world that we are firm believers of peace and goodwill and that we have a deep yearning to live with dignity and respect, in peace and in friendship.”