The archbishop of Kolkata, Reverend Thomas D’Souza, prayed on Sunday that “those in authority and responsibility speak out against violence” in Manipur.
“We pray for eternal peace for those who were killed in the brutal violence; we pray for all those who are orphaned, homeless, displaced and have become refugees; we pray that those in authority and responsibility speak out against violence, appeal for peace and take steps to build confidence and to restore peace among all sections of people in that beautiful state of Manipur,” said Reverend Thomas D’Souza.
The archbishop was addressing a gathering at Don Bosco School, Park Circus, before leading a peace march for Manipur, organised by the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Calcutta.
“As we march this evening from Don Bosco School, Park Circus, to the statue of Mother Teresa on Park Street, our thoughts will be united with our suffering brothers and sisters in Manipur telling them that we are with them in solidarity, praying for peace,” the archbishop said.
Police said around 1,000 people walked from the school to Mother Teresa’s bust in front of Allen Park, covering a distance of 3km in about an hour, silently and in prayer.
“Today there is an atrocity in Manipur, tomorrow it could be our home,” said Madhabi Samanta, who came from Behala to participate in the march.
“I have come here to speak for the pain of the people in Manipur and to show solidarity with those suffering because till today, our government at the Centre has been silent on this issue,” said schoolteacher Joseph Chacko.
Many said they had come because they were concerned over the ethnic violence in Manipur. Many other said they had come because they were scared.
The peace rallyists hoped that the message of the walk would reach the centralgovernment.
“We stand in solidarity with the people in Manipur and we hope this little step will reach the central government so they take steps to solve the problem,” said John Stephen, one of the participants.
“The people of India or any country depend on the government for safety. If the government is not taking care of the safety of the people, whom will they (the people) depend upon? Does that mean people have to protect themselves?” said Stephen.
There was no slogan shouting. The marchers only sang hymns and prayed.
“We have come together this evening with only one intention: to pray for peace in the beautiful state of Manipur in the north-eastern part of our country, and to show solidarity with those who suffer on account of the brutal violence since 3rd May 2023...” the archbishop said while addressing the gathering before the march.
“We want to pray for peace that is God’s gift to us, human beings. That peace is the result of the transformation of hearts, result of reconciliation, of dialogue and forgiveness. We believe in God and we believe in prayer. Therefore, walking together as a community of the disciples of Jesus... we want to raise our hearts in prayer to Him who alone is able to bring about this reconciliation and peace in Manipur. May every step that we take in this march for peace, be a step that will speed up the process of peace among all sections of the people in Manipur,” the archbishop said.
Reverend Thomas D’Souza said Mahatma Gandhi always had recourse to prayer,and even fasting, to bring about peace.
“We pray for those living in camps that they may receive all possible help to start their life all over again in an atmosphere of peace. We assure you, our suffering brothers and sisters of Manipur, we are with you,” the archbishop said.
When asked whether Manipur was being treated as “the other” in India, a nun from the Apostolic Carmel Congregation agreed.
“Yes, that is why we are not feeling concerned. Till now nothing has happened... so many days. They are suffering and we are doing nothing,” said Sister Diksha, one of the participants.