Participants during the solidarity candlelight prayer programme held at St Dominic Savio Ground in Mumbai on May 19. (Photo Courtesy: NSUM)
Mumbai, May 20 (MExN): Naga Students’ Union Mumbai (NSUM)organised a “Solidarity Candlelight Prayer Programme Against the Ongoing Conflict in Manipur”, bringing together church leaders, students, working professionals and members of different communities in Mumbai on May 19.
The programme, held at St Dominic Savio Ground, was attended by representatives of Naga Christian Fellowship Mumbai, Tangkhul Baptist Church Mumbai and Liromoba Rongmei Fellowship Mumbai, along with non-Naga participants.
The event was led by Wungpei Khamrang, while prayers were offered by Ashang Luiram and James Lana. Songs of peace were presented by members of the TBCM choir and Likhumkyu E Anar.
Addressing the gathering, NSUM president Ramachan A Shimray said the programme was organised not only for the Nagas but for everyone praying for peace in Manipur.
He said the ongoing conflict in Manipur since May 3, 2023, had directly and indirectly affected the lives of people across communities, particularly the Naga, Meitei and Kuki groups.
Despite the prolonged violence, communities continued to hold onto a shared hope for peace in the state, he added.
NSUM General Secretary Meyisenla Lemtur recited a poem titled “A Mother’s Tears”, reflecting on the suffering of innocent children, grieving parents and families affected by violence.
The poem conveyed the message that violence and hatred could never bring lasting peace. Messages were also delivered by T H Mikho and Thohrii Gabriel.
In his solidarity message, Alum Raikhan, vice president TWSM, expressed concern over the suffering of ordinary people affected by the conflict and highlighted the hardships faced by villagers living amid violence, schoolchildren whose education had been disrupted, mothers dependent on daily livelihoods and families struggling to survive during the crisis.
The organisers said the programme served as a collective expression of solidarity, hope and prayer for peace in Manipur, while also reflecting unity among the Naga community and participants from different backgrounds.
