IMPHAL Dec. 26: Christmas, the main festival of the Christian community was celebrated throughout the state with proper religious functions and much gaiety throughout the state. The churches observed the traditional Christmas rituals and called for a stop against discrimination of people from the Northeast in Indian cities and for peace and brotherhood to prevail in the state.
Rev. T.Sitlhou, preacher of Manipur Baptist Convention Church which is one of the biggest church in the state during the Christmas celebration held at the church yesterday voiced concern on the sexual discrimination meted on the girls hailing from the north eastern region in the metropolitan cities and stated that Manipur has a high crime rate perpetration regarding the weaker sex. He addressed the congregation that the church needs to regard the issues with utmost importance and work to end sexual discrimination against women..
The preacher also expressed concern over the tension building between US and North Korea stating that the ensuing arms race should be stopped immediately in the purview of an imminent nuclear holocaust which could wipe out the human race altogether from the face of the earth. He also called upon the church to work for stopping the arms race and deforestation to save the environment.
Rajya Sabha MP,Rishang Keishing and tribal development minister D D. Thaisii along with other dignitaries and top officials of the state also took part in the Christmas celebration at the MBC church yesterday.
Addressing the gathering Keishing has called on the people of Manipur and the church to bring peace and harmony among the people living in Manipur stating it as the need of the hour in the present state of turmoil.
The MP sliced the Christmas cake and offered it to his wife Khathingla at the end of the morning programme.
The Christmas celebration was peaceful as Christmas carollers thronged the streets and there was no report of any unwanted incident during the celebrations yesterday.
