Three peace rallies were organized in different parts of the Agartala diocese in Tripura to show solidarity with the victims of violence in Manipur, India.
According to a report from Matters India, the diocese’s women’s commission, in collaboration with Church-run educational institutions, Self Help Groups, and other Churches, organized a candlelight rally on July 30.
Sister Jolly Kottarathil of the Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima said the protest action was organized “to condemn the heinous crimes done to women in Manipur, extend solidarity to the suffering victims, and appeal for an end to the three-month-long violence and strife”.
The event saw participation from various individuals, including students who held lit candles in one hand and placards with peace captions in the other.
Members of the Kuki tribe, residing in Agartala for study or work due to the convenient air and train link between the two states, also joined the gathering.
The peaceful silent rally began near Heritage Park and proceeded to the Gandhi statue near the former Raj Bhawan. Leaders of various church denominations, along with their believers, attended the event, including Bishop Lumen Monteiro of Agartala.
During the rally, participants wore black badges and carried banners and placards urging the return of peace to Manipur.
Sister Kottarathil, who is the convener of the gathering and the secretary of the commission, said the event aimed to register “condemnation of the despicable deeds done to women in Manipur, which are an affront to the dignity of all women and unjustifiable in any civilized society”.
Salesian Father Joseph Pulinthanath, the diocese’s spokesperson, urged authorities to restore peace and normalcy in the region at the earliest.
The United Christian Forum for Human Rights, Dhalai District, Ambassa Tripura, also organized a peace rally in solidarity with the victims of violence in Manipur.
The gathering involved more than 2,000 people from various cultures and religions, who marched from the Town Hall to the TRTC (Tripura Road Transport Corporation) Bus Stand and back.
The parish of Khumulwng also organized a candlelight peace rally at Belbari, situated 24 km from Agartala, as a further demonstration of widespread concern and support for peace in Manipur.
