The Economic Blockade and the Divine Law

T Gouzadou *

Economic Blockade imposed by the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee :: August 8 2011 - Pix :: Bijoy Lai

The ongoing economic blockade from 1st August this year has revealed that we, the natives of Manipur, do not love one another, do not have sense of belonging, and do not feel that Manipur is our native land though we have been living in Manipur since the days of our forefathers. The SHDDC prays for a full-fledged district and the UNC is against it.

We, Nagas and Kukis, are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Let others see Jesus in us. I am a Christian and I respect all religions and I admire anyone who practices his religion because religion is the virtue by which we give to God the honour and service due to Him alone as our Creator, Master and Supreme Lord. It is by religion that we fulfil the purpose for which we were created.

Is economic blockade a crime or a mortal sin in the eyes of God? I think the words of Jesus given below tell us whether economic blockade is a sin or not.

Jesus says, "My commandment is this: Love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them. And you are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me: I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name. This, then, is what I command you: Love one another (John 15:12-17).

"Whoever does not love me does not obey my teaching" (John 14:24). "Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned above everything else with the kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings" (Matt.6:32-34).

"For God's kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. And when someone serves Christ in this way, he pleases God and is approved by others" (Romans 14:17-18).

The Bible says, "Whoever does not love is still under the power of death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that a murderer has not got eternal life in him" (I John 3:14­15).

It may not be wrong to say that as long as we hate one another we are murderers in the eyes of God which is very dangerous. Our Lord Jesus says, "Will a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his Iife?" (Matt.16:26).

With a great hope I appeal to all the members of SHDDC and the members of UNC to work together in the spirit of Christianity to make Sadar Hills a full-fledged district where Kukis, Nagas, Nepalis, Meiteis and any other community may continue to live together peacefully always remembering the words of St. Paul who says: "Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise. If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says: I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord."

Instead, as the scripture says, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will make him burn with shame. Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good." (Romans 12:16-21).