Imphal, May 19: Church leaders have accelerated their peace mission to alleviate growing ethnic tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur. This initiative comes a day after a meeting with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
On Tuesday, a 10-member delegation of church leaders arrived in the Naga-dominated Senapati district. They engaged in discussions with representatives from various social organizations and community members to restore normalcy.
According to government officials, the church leaders met with representatives from the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga People’s Organization, and other civil society groups at the UNC office. The meeting focused on the ongoing tense situation between the Naga and Kuki communities.
The discussions also addressed the crisis that arose following the murder of three church leaders on May 13 and the issue of hostages. The church leaders appealed for the unconditional release of all hostages on humanitarian grounds.
Rev. Dr. Namsang R. Marak, General Secretary of the Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India, stated in a media interaction that this is an extremely challenging time for the affected families. He urged all communities to exercise restraint, maintain patience, and move forward with a spirit of forgiveness and peace.
Marak emphasized that church leaders have previously called for peace between both communities and expressed hope that discussions with UNC leaders would yield positive outcomes. He also urged people not to trust rumors and unverified news circulating on social media. He stressed the need for all communities to prioritize brotherhood and humanity to restore peace in Manipur.
A.C. Thotso, Secretary of the Working Committee of the United Naga Council, noted that Baptist leaders have submitted a joint appeal on behalf of the Baptist World Alliance, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India, and Manipur Baptist Convention.
He welcomed the church leaders’ peace initiative and stated that the issue would be discussed in the organization’s decision-making forums. He reiterated that lasting peace is only possible when the truth is acknowledged.
Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh met with church leaders at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and praised their efforts to foster peace and harmony among various communities in the state.
Meanwhile, another group of church leaders visited the villages of Keithelmanbi and Damdei in Kangpokpi district, where they expressed condolences to the affected families.
Following the murder of three Baptist church leaders and injuries to four others in Kangpokpi district on May 13, over 40 individuals from the Kuki and Naga communities were taken hostage by various groups. However, due to continuous efforts from the administration, community leaders, and social organizations, 30 individuals from both communities were released on May 14 and 15.
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