Imphal, May 19: Amid escalating tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur, church leaders have launched a significant peace initiative. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh praised this effort, stating that the active involvement of church leaders could play a crucial role in normalizing the situation.
On May 13, unidentified militants opened fire in the Zero Point area between the villages of Kotlen and Kotjim in Kangpokpi district. This attack resulted in the deaths of three church leaders associated with the Kuki community, while four others sustained injuries. Following this incident, tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in the hill districts intensified.
In this charged atmosphere, a 10-member delegation from the North East India Council for Baptist Churches (CBCNEI) and the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) met with the Chief Minister on Monday. The meeting also included Deputy Chief Minister and prominent Naga leader L. Dikho.
According to an official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the church leaders expressed their willingness to act as peace ambassadors between the two communities. They stated their intention to engage in dialogue with all parties to restore normalcy. The Chief Minister commended this initiative and expressed his admiration for the church leaders’ collaborative efforts towards peace.
The government has encouraged church leaders to continue dialogue between the communities and to rebuild trust among the people.
As part of the peace initiative, two separate teams of church leaders have been formed. One team will visit Kangpokpi district, while the other will head to Senapati district. The church leaders believe that individuals held hostage by both sides should be released on humanitarian grounds.
The team heading to Kangpokpi will meet with the families of the three deceased church leaders to offer condolences. The state government has also assured financial assistance to the families of the victims. Following this, the team will engage with Kuki church leaders to discuss ways to reduce tensions and promote reconciliation.
Meanwhile, the second team traveling to Senapati will meet with Naga church leaders and representatives from Naga civil society organizations to discuss the current situation and the hostage crisis.
In the aftermath of the violence on May 13, police officials reported that over 40 individuals from both communities had been taken hostage by different groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. However, through the ongoing efforts of the administration, community leaders, and civil society organizations, 30 individuals were released on May 14 and 15.
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