Guwahati: The Catholic Bishops of North East India made a fresh appeal for peace on Sunday amidst news of growing tension and reports of ongoing violence in Manipur.

The appeal was made after the Bishops of North East India Regional Bishops’ Conference had an emergency meeting in Silchar on the occasion of the Episcopal Ordination of Joachim Walder as Auxiliary Bishop of Aizawl.

“It is with great pain and intense anxiety that we have been following the great tragedies that have taken place in Manipur recently. We grieve with our brothers and sisters who have fallen victims to violence and have suffered in consequence,” John Moolachira, chairman of the North East India Regional Bishops Council, said in a statement.

“The loss of precious lives and property has been immense. A large number of people have moved out of the state. The atmosphere continues to be tense. Painful incidents are still reported. While we have initiated relief work, we are far from a position to cope with the situation. We cry for help on behalf of those who suffer,” he said.