DIMAPUR, OCT 13 (NPN): Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has appealed to the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue and reconciliation following recent violence, while urging the state government, tribal bodies and civil society organisations to work together to restore peace.
In a press release, NBCC expressed deep concern and sadness over the violence, saying it had caused suffering, fear and uncertainty, particularly among affected families and communities. The council extended its concern to those affected and prayed for God’s comfort, protection of lives and guidance towards peace.
NBCC cautioned that misunderstandings, mistrust and differences could deepen divisions and lead to painful consequences if not addressed. It said no misunderstanding was beyond resolution if there was a willingness to listen, exercise restraint and seek a peaceful way forward.
It said violence only caused further suffering and widened divisions. NBCC, therefore, urged all concerned to refrain from words and actions that could escalate tensions and instead pursue dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
The Church also called upon the state government, tribal leaders, village authorities and civil society organisations to work with wisdom and sincerity to restore normalcy.
It urged the leaders to facilitate meaningful dialogue and address the issues fairly and sensitively to rebuild peace and mutual trust.
As a Christian organisation, NBCC said the situation reminded the community of its calling to be peacemakers, citing Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
The council said peace required more than the absence of conflict and stressing the need for justice, forgiveness, understanding and respect for human dignity. It added that differences should not become grounds for hostility but opportunities to listen and seek solutions in the common interest.
NBCC also appealed to churches, pastors, church leaders and Christian families across Nagaland to pray for peace between the two communities. It urged them to pray for wisdom for the government and leaders, an end to bitterness and mistrust, protection of innocent lives and a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Further, the council called upon both communities to uphold mutual respect and restore peaceful relations, saying the well-being of the people and the future of the communities were more important than allowing differences to develop into prolonged hostility.
Quoting Romans 14:19, NBCC urged all concerned to “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification”.
It prayed that God would comfort affected families, heal strained relationships and guide the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities towards reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
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