A two-day workshop on interfaith cooperation concluded at Oasis College last Friday, January 23, bringing together faith leaders, educators and civil society members to chart pathways towards reconciliation in strife-torn Manipur.
The two-day workshop, organised by the India Peace Centre, Nagpur, in collaboration with Oasis College, began on Thursday, 22 January, and saw participation from Christian, Muslim and other religious communities. The gathering focused on promoting social harmony, inclusive development and sustained interfaith engagement.
Dr Thathang Vaiphei, Chairman of Oasis College, welcomed participants and outlined a three-year vision to conduct the programme twice annually with around 30 participants per session. The initiative aims to nurture church and community leaders as advocates of interfaith cooperation while supporting sustainable livelihood initiatives at the grassroots level.
Angelious Michael of the India Peace Centre delivered the keynote address, drawing from his experience in post-conflict regions across Northeast India. He emphasised confidence-building, humility in leadership and cross-faith collaboration as essential components for lasting stability in affected areas.
The technical sessions featured Rev T Karang Maram, former Director of Peace and Development at the Manipur Baptist Convention, and Abdul Halim, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Manipur. Discussions centred on faith-based community development, economic empowerment and inclusive citizenship.
In a session moderated by Rev Satkai Chongloi, Rev Maram urged communities to move from dependency to active participation through self-help groups, micro-enterprises, agriculture and skill development. He called upon pastors and faith leaders to take active roles as peacemakers and community workers, emphasising collective action and strategic planning.
Abdul Halim, speaking on promoting social harmony through interfaith action, stated that “diversity is a reality, harmony a necessity, and action a responsibility.” He drew on constitutional values and religious teachings to highlight justice, fraternity and the sanctity of life as foundations for lasting reconciliation.
The concluding day on Friday focused on the psychological and social roots of violence. A session titled “The Awful Power of Prejudices: Bitter Roots”, moderated by Dr Kimneijoy Rosy Lotjem of TC College, examined how unconscious bias and stereotypes contribute to prolonged unrest.
Sem Haokip, Goodwill Ambassador of Oasis College, who addressed the session through interactive exercises and real-life illustrations, warned that while disputes are often framed around land or resources, prejudice remains the most dangerous and enduring trigger of violence. He called education the most powerful long-term solution.
Rev Simon Raomei, President of the All Manipur Christian Organisation, highlighted the crucial role of youth in building bridges across communities. Drawing from his engagements across Manipur, he noted that while young people are often the most affected by strife, they can also be the strongest agents of reconciliation. He emphasised inclusive representation, mutual respect and learning across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
A concluding group discussion titled “How Do We Look at Each Other?” allowed participants to openly reflect on mutual perceptions and engage in honest self-critique.
The workshop adopted key recommendations, including greater inclusion of traditional and faith leaders, focused dialogue on pressing social issues, the creation of a common reconciliation platform and sustained interfaith engagement at the community level.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue, joint action and long-term collaboration. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Helun Hangshing, Secretary of Oasis College.
The gathering unanimously affirmed that honest dialogue, empowered youth and values-based education are essential pathways towards reconciliation and enduring stability in Manipur.
