The quiet power of compassion : Lessons from conflict and connection

Chongboi Haokip, MCIHort
Life in modern times moves fast and pulls our focus in many directions. It is not often that we pause to recognise a simple truth about the value of life. Life holds deep value, breaks easily, and passes quickly. When we slow down, our priorities shift. Our thoughts shape our path; our actions define our character. Our treatment of others reflects our values. Having a choice, the best route is clear thinking, acting with honesty, and showing compassion.
Yes, we do make mistakes because we are human. It reminds us of Thomas Edison’s saying – “Success depends on your willingness to fail and learn.” In my personal journey, when I realised I had done something wrong, I asked for God’s forgiveness and discernment, released guilt, and moved forward with faith in Him. We promote peace, support healing, and grow as a person. Definitely, I understand we cannot please everyone. In a mature society, we have different views on life, which we value. Our choices shape the lives around us.
We are meant to grow through connection, support, shared experiences and build trust with one another. My heart reaches out to all the victims of the conflict and is hard to express as the suffering is too deep.  We wish and pray that such tragedy never happens again. Every life is so precious, and the pain is shared by us.
The Gratitude of Connection
Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for my parents’ sacrifices and for everyone who has supported and walked with me from childhood to today. They believed in me when my confidence failed and supported my efforts with patience and generosity. They gave strength when mine felt weak. These relationships give me life to cherish. They shape who I am today and guide how I face joy and hardship.
The joy no one can take away from me is that I have God, to whom I am always grateful.  Till today, I remember one Thadou gospel song which inspired me a lot, based on  Psalms 116:12 -13 (NIV) "What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me ? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.”
Born and raised in Imphal and closely connected to the hills of Manipur, I have experienced the richness of our culture. A strong culture of human kindness shaped my values. I leave you with this reflection – Manipuri society rests on a close social fabric rooted in hospitality and kindness. Manipuri society holds something special-let us protect this bond, nurture this spirit, and treasure this legacy !
When Values Are Tested
Speaking about humanity, kindness, and compassion feels simple during peace, when little cost exists. Conflict reveals their true weight. Fear limits vision, pain distorts judgment, and the turmoil in Manipur presents this test. Communities face loss, suffering, and deep division. Families have left their homes, and lives stand broken. Sadly, neighbours who were good friends now face fear and mistrust. These realities require honest acknowledgement, not silence.
Incredible stories of light continue to emerge when we ponder other people's perspectives.  For sure, we empathise with the families who lost precious lives and those who lost their hard - earned homes and belongings during a lifetime. How we wish we could reverse these human tragedies ! Powerful stories of ordinary people making extraordinary choices – showing compassion when hatred would have been easier. Helping one another across divides, sheltering strangers, guiding the frightened to safety, sharing scarce food, warning of danger, and risking their lives for others during those most difficult days — and many continue to do so, even though people are hesitant to speak out.
Let us continue to highlight more of our humane side, as it carries deep moral weight and touches people’s lives. We also pray that God restores our wounded hearts and leads us into a renewed, purposeful life.
The Power of Individual Choice - Stories of Light in Darkness
Yes, saying is easier; however, let us continue to highlight those beautiful acts of humanity that deserve recognition. We need to show what is possible even in dark times. When systems fail, and divisions rise, individuals can still choose compassion over cruelty. It is easy to make serious mistakes when we are in high emotions.
How beautiful – amid destruction, someone protecting a neighbour, and amid fear, someone choosing to trust. These choices matter because they form the threads that can rebuild communities.
The Complexity of Human Nature
In our human society,  there are both good and bad people – the struggle will always exist. As there is a saying – "time heals" –  in due course of time, people can have a change of heart too. Beyond a doubt, the tension between kindness and cruelty, empathy and indifference, will always exist. Human nature is complex - we cannot expect a society to be entirely good or entirely bad. It is important to define a society by those who uphold what is right.
Compassion as a Path Forward
Defining compassion as timid, a betrayal, ignoring injustice or avoiding accountability and reform is easily done. In fact, we can face these realities with dignity and understanding, and it is not always easy to do so without any bias. We can listen without judging, speak without harming, and act without losing our moral direction - a great virtue. Healing begins when accountability is combined with true empathy for all who suffer.
Compassion can serve as a bridge in Manipur – fragile and imperfect, perhaps, but essential. Where silence has prevailed for too long, it can open pathways for dialogue, creating space for reconciliation and where anger has taken deep root. How beautiful it is that it can also amplify powerful stories that unite people across communities ! No community has a monopoly on entire suffering or virtue. In every community, we have victims and perpetrators, healers and harm-doers.
Personal Transformation Through Care
Compassion reshapes us from the inside out-it meanshaving difficult talks and the courage to face them. When we choose to truly care for others, we uncover a quiet, enduring joy that material success can never offer. Simple acts of kindness, say kind words, attentive listening, or selfless help can restore hope and dignity to those facing loss or fear. What most deeply touch the human heart are the sincere acts, whether big or small, or, tough or gentle!
Choosing compassion can feel like a radical form of resistance, in a world increasingly shaped by conflict, noise, and division. On the other hand, it links us to the very best of who we are and of course, and is profoundly human. We can revisit our common vulnerability, which helps us to reconnect the principles that have sustained healthy societies across generations. Our collective resilience, expanding our capacity to heal and rebuild what has been broken — all through the anchorage of compassion !
A Call to the People of Manipur–Time to Move Forward
It is time to reflect----both in our personal lives and within our communities. It is worth pondering to consider the legacy we hope to leave behind. Important questions -  Will we be remembered for building bridges? Will our actions help begin the patient work of healing and be a part of the peace-making process ?
We do not need grand declarations for the answers,  but in our everyday choices we make — in how we think, speak, and treat one another. We cultivate inner peace and help shape a more connected, healing world for future generations through these choices.
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,because His compassions fail not.They are new every morning;Great is Your faithfulness
- Lamentations 2:22 to 23 (NKJV)

Statement: I do not support illegal poppy cultivation. I support sustainable alternatives that strengthen society and help affected farmers in Manipur. I stand firmly behind the Manipur Government's  "War on Drugs" campaign. As a strong, united community, we must work alongside government agencies that are helping farmers abandon illegal poppy farming. We, the people of Manipur, can eliminate unlawful poppy cultivation through collective effort. I call upon the entire Manipur community to unite as one team in this fight against illegal cultivation of poppy, working together to create sustainable livelihoods and a healthier future for all.
About the writer is an international development consultant specialising in agriculture, horticulture, trade facilitation and sustainable development.