In a profound display of faith and patriotism, the Kuki-Zo community in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, concluded a three-day fasting prayer on Independence Day, August 15, with a heartfelt prayer for India's prosperity and unity. Gathered at Keithelmanbi Military Colony, hundreds of congregants lifted their voices in a collective prayer for the nation’s future.
The powerful spiritual gathering, initiated under the banner of the Joint Prayer Group, comprises Kuki Nampi Taona (KNT), CoTU Prayer Cell, and HP Band, began on Patriot’s Day, August 13, at Saikul Hill Town, with a fervent call for the community's unity, and stability, and the well-being of India. The event carried deep significance, uniting the community in prayer as the nation celebrated its 78th year of India independence.
The three-day vigil underscored the Kuki-Zo community's strong sense of national solidarity, with participants dedicating their prayers to India's leaders, the Kuki-Zo's leaders, the protection of India's citizens, and the strengthening of Viksit Bharat.
Among the fasting prayer attendees, Thomas, a dedicated prayer-goer, called this year's Independence Day a historic moment for India and a significant occasion for the Kuki-Zo people.
"Today is a historic Independence Day for Indians," he said adding that we, the Kuki-Zo community—men, women, church leaders, village chiefs from all walks of life—have come together to pray for India's growth, prosperity, unity, and a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
"This shows that we are also Indian, and India is our mother", he added highlighting the pivotal contributions of Kuki-Zo freedom fighters and ancestors to the struggle for India’s independence, affirming the community’s enduring sense of national identity.
Taking the momentous occasion of national celebration, Thomas passionately appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing that the Kuki-Zo people are "children of Mother India" who view the government as their parent.
"When injustice is done to children, they turn to their parents for intervention," he asserted. "Today, on this Independence Day, we, the Kuki-Zo people, call on the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to address the injustices done to us and to deliver justice."
Despite the challenges faced, Thomas expressed faith in India's leadership, saying, "We believe in the wisdom of our Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and our Mother India, that justice will be done."
The fasting prayer gathering underscored the Kuki-Zo community's unyielding belief in the unity of the nation, while their call for justice resonated as a powerful reminder of their hope for equitable treatment and national harmony.
As the event culminated, the spirit of unity and hope reverberated throughout the region, a testament to the community’s enduring belief in the power of prayer and the strength of the nation.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
