Peace Series 4
By Deben Bachaspatimayum, Interfaith Forum, Manipur
In a state that has witnessed deep ethnic divisions, recurring violence, and growing mistrust among communities, a quiet movement has been taking shape in Manipur. It does not command headlines, political power, or large financial resources. Yet, it carries something equally powerful—the determination of people from different faiths to sit together, listen to one another, and work collectively for peace.
On 5 June 2026, the Interfaith Forum Manipur (IFM) completed three years of its journey and entered its fourth year. The occasion marked not merely an anniversary but a significant milestone in one of the most challenging peacebuilding environments in India.
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Humanity
The Interfaith Forum Manipur was established with a simple but ambitious vision: to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation among diverse religious communities. In a state where religion often overlaps with ethnic identity, the forum sought to create spaces where people could meet not as representatives of competing groups but as fellow human beings.
The year 2025–26 was guided by the theme: “Celebrating Life, Unity and Harmony in Diversity.”
Unlike many initiatives supported by large grants and external agencies, the IFM journey has been largely voluntary. Members from different faith traditions have contributed their time, energy, and resources despite personal, professional, and social pressures.
Representatives from Hindu, Sanamahi, Jain, Vaishnav, and other spiritual traditions came together with a shared belief that peace cannot be imposed from outside—it must be nurtured from within communities.
Building Trust in Difficult Times
Peacebuilding is often measured through agreements signed or conflicts resolved. Yet, one of the greatest achievements of IFM has been something less visible: building trust.
Over the past three years, members continued to engage in dialogue even during periods of uncertainty and violence. The forum became a platform where difficult conversations could take place without hostility and where diverse perspectives could coexist.
Perhaps one of the strongest indicators of its success is that the initiative has faced very little opposition from either within religious communities or from the wider public. Instead, it has gradually earned the confidence of peacebuilders, educators, community leaders, and civil society organizations.
This growing acceptance demonstrates that many people in Manipur are searching for alternatives to division and conflict.
Significant Milestones in 2025–26
The year witnessed several achievements that strengthened the peace architecture of the state. One of the most important developments was the adoption of the Covenant of Interfaith Solidarity, a collective commitment by members to stand together in promoting peace, mutual respect, and non-violence.
The forum also released its first official brochure, providing visibility to its vision and activities and creating a common identity for members across communities.
Another landmark achievement was the launch of the IFM Youth Peacebuilding Fellowship Programme on 2 October 2025. The first batch enrolled 33 young participants who began their journey as future peace leaders.
Recognizing that sustainable peace requires youth leadership, the fellowship equips young people with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage in peacebuilding initiatives within their own communities.
The programme is particularly important in Manipur, where a large proportion of the population is young and where future reconciliation efforts will depend significantly on youth engagement.
Investing in the Next Generation of Peace Leaders
The fellowship programme goes beyond classroom learning. Young fellows are exposed to practical peacebuilding experiences, leadership development, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement. They are encouraged to become ambassadors of peace and understanding within their institutions and neighbourhoods.
One remarkable outcome of the fellowship has been the establishment of the first Peace Club at DM Art Campus. Supported by faculty members from the Political Science Department, the club provides a platform for students to discuss peace, conflict resolution, and social harmony.
Several fellows have also gained opportunities to participate in national and international training programmes, helping them connect local experiences with global peacebuilding practices.
These opportunities are creating a new generation of leaders capable of addressing conflict through dialogue rather than confrontation.
A Vision Beyond Dialogue
While dialogue remains central to IFM’s work, the forum has moved beyond conversations to institution-building. On 2 October 2025, the foundation stone for the proposed World Peace Centre Manipur was laid at the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Complex.
The proposed centre is envisioned as a permanent space for peace education, research, dialogue, leadership training, and inter-community engagement. It symbolizes the aspiration to create lasting institutions that can sustain peacebuilding efforts for generations.
Another major development was the creation of the Peace Foundation Manipur, a registered trust established to streamline and strengthen peace initiatives across the state.
The foundation aims to mobilize resources, coordinate programmes, and support long-term peacebuilding interventions, particularly among young people.
Complementing this effort is the vision of establishing the Manipur People Peace Fund, a mechanism designed to support community-led peace initiatives and encourage broader citizen participation in reconciliation efforts.
Connecting Local Efforts with Global Networks
IFM has also expanded its reach through collaborations with national and international organizations.
Representatives participated in international peace forums in South Korea and attended global discussions on Sports for Peace and community reconciliation. These engagements have enabled members to learn from successful peacebuilding experiences across the world while sharing the unique lessons emerging from Manipur.
Such partnerships are helping local peacebuilders access new ideas, methodologies, and training opportunities that can strengthen peace efforts on the ground.
Looking Ahead
As IFM enters its fifth year, its agenda is ambitious. Plans include introducing peace clubs in schools and colleges, expanding the Youth Peacebuilding Fellowship Programme, strengthening interfaith educational initiatives, advocating for peacebuilding courses in universities, mobilizing resources for the Peace Foundation Manipur, and advancing the development of the World Peace Centre.
The forum also aims to deepen understanding within individual faith communities while strengthening relationships across faith traditions.
The Real Achievement
The true achievement of the Interfaith Forum Manipur cannot be measured by the number of meetings held or programmes conducted.
Its greatest success lies in proving that dialogue is still possible in times of division. It has been shown that people from different faiths can work together, not by ignoring differences, but by respecting them.
In a world increasingly polarized by identity, politics, and conflict, the Interfaith Forum Manipur offers a powerful reminder: peace is not built through grand declarations alone. It is built through patient conversations, shared commitments, courageous leadership, and the willingness to see humanity in one another.
Four years into its journey, IFM stands as a beacon of hope—demonstrating that even in the most difficult circumstances, bridges can be built, trust can be restored, and peace can become a shared responsibility.
(Ref: IFM Souvenir III)
