Catholic Church in Nagaland appeals for peace, dialogue and reconciliation amid tensions between Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities.
DIMAPUR — The Catholic Church in Nagaland has appealed for immediate peace, restraint and reconciliation amid the recent unrest involving the Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities in the Pungro area of Kiphire district and Shamator district.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of the Diocese of Kohima, along with priests and religious sisters from both communities, urged community leaders and tribal bodies to shun confrontation and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and impartial mediation.
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church in Nagaland, the Bishop expressed solidarity with families and individuals affected by the conflict and stressed the need for reason and objectivity in addressing the situation.
“In times of conflict, it is reason, not emotion, that must guide the decisions and actions of leaders,” the Bishop said, urging all concerned to assess incidents individually and objectively rather than interpret them through a communal or tribal lens.
He cautioned against attributing a tribal dimension to isolated incidents, stating that such an approach could undermine unity and solidarity among the Naga people.
“We can never achieve unity, cohesion and lasting solidarity as Nagas if every incident is interpreted through the prism of tribal affiliation,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of dialogue in resolving the conflict, the Bishop said peaceful discussions would provide an opportunity to express grievances, clarify misunderstandings and rebuild mutual trust.
He maintained that sustainable peace required a willingness to listen to one another, acknowledge genuine concerns and settle differences without resorting to violence.
“We must choose dialogue over confrontation and reconciliation over division to safeguard the well-being of both present and future generations,” he said.
The Bishop, along with Yimkhiung and Tikhir priests and religious sisters, also called on civil society organisations, community elders, youth and the general public to play an active role in restoring peace and harmony.
They urged all stakeholders to communicate responsibly, 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 religious representatives appealed to the communities concerned to exercise restraint, uphold mutual respect and work towards reconciliation.
They urged the leaders and communities to rise above their differences and uphold the values of brotherhood and understanding for a peaceful and harmonious future.
Peace Channel urges peaceful dialogue
Peace Channel, an initiative of the Catholic Church, has expressed concern over the recent conflict between the Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities, appealing to both sides to exercise restraint and prevent further violence.
In a statement, the organisation expressed solidarity with those affected and announced plans to visit the affected areas to distribute school uniforms, bags and educational materials to children impacted by the conflict, supporting their education and helping restore normalcy.
Peace Channel urged the concerned tribal bodies to resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue and mediation, stressing that open communication and impartial facilitation are essential to addressing grievances, rebuilding trust and achieving lasting peace.
It also appealed to community leaders, civil society organisations and the public to promote responsible communication and discourage inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions.
Emphasising Christian values of understanding and mutual respect, Peace Channel called on both communities to choose dialogue over confrontation and reconciliation over division to safeguard future generations.