Catholic Church calls for peace amid Yimkhiung-Tikhir unrest

Bishop Thoppil, clergy from both communities appeal for reconciliationDimapur, October 23 (MExN): The Bishop of the Diocese of Kohima, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, along with priests and religious sisters belonging to the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities, on Friday appealed for “immediate peace, restraint and reconciliation” following the unrest between the two communities in the Pungro area of Kiphire district and in Shamator district of Nagaland.Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church in Nagaland, the Bishop expressed solidarity with all families and individuals affected by the conflict. He urged community leaders and tribal bodies to refrain from confrontation, saying differences could be resolved only through peaceful dialogue and impartial mediation. The Yimkhiung and Tikhir priests and sisters also called for a peaceful settlement.The Bishop stressed that leaders must be guided by reason rather than emotion in times of conflict. He asked all concerned to assess each incident individually and objectively, and not through a communal or tribal lens.“Every incident must be examined on its own merits, without attributing a tribal dimension to an isolated occurrence,” the appeal said. “We can never achieve unity, cohesion and lasting solidarity as Nagas if every incident is interpreted through the prism of tribal affiliation.”Dialogue, the Bishop said, offers an opportunity to express grievances, clarify misunderstandings and rebuild mutual trust. He said sustainable peace required a willingness to listen to one another, acknowledge genuine concerns and resolve differences without violence.“We must choose dialogue over confrontation and reconciliation over division to safeguard the well-being of both present and future generations,” the Bishop said.The appeal also called upon civil society organisations, community elders, youth and the general public to play an active role in promoting peace and harmony. They were urged to encourage responsible communication, refrain from spreading inflammatory statements and foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust.Reaffirming the Catholic Church's commitment to peacebuilding, peaceful coexistence and the dignity of every human person, the Bishop and the Yimkhiung and Tikhir clergy and sisters made a collective appeal for mutual respect and restraint. They urged the leaders and communities concerned to rise above their differences, uphold the values of brotherhood and understanding, and work together towards a peaceful and harmonious future.Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, the statement concluded, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).