The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has strongly condemned the recent incidents of violence in the region, including the killing of civilians in Khammoi (Khenmoi-Loiyi) village under the Eastern Konyak Region and the attack on an Assam Rifles check post in Arunachal Pradesh.
In a statement issued by Dr Villo Naleo, Secretary, Social Concern, NBCC, the Council said it was “deeply disturbed” by the attack on the 4th Assam Rifles check post at Hahman village near Manmao in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, on October 16, carried out by the armed wing of the NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung group). The Council also condemned the drone attack by the Indian Army in Khammoi village on October 20.
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“The NBCC condemns both the incidents, and calls upon all parties to respect and value human lives which are created in the image of God. NBCC abhors bloodshed and does not support violence in any form,” the statement read.
The NBCC expressed grief over the killing of a seven-year-old girl, Phiphot Wangsa, and 27-year-old Khampei Wangsa, described as a “promising student leader,” allegedly by Indian armed forces at around 6:30 p.m. on October 20. Four others were said to have been critically injured in the attack.
“Such acts of impunity by the Indian armed forces in Naga villages bring to all Nagas the traumatic experiences suffered in the hands of the Indian military might since the 1950s. NBCC is highly concerned by this fearful and unrestful tension,” it stated.
The NBCC appealed to all Naga national groups to “abandon violence and engage in democratic means and processes to assert the Naga struggle and the historical legitimacy of the people.”
“India is the largest democratic country in the world. Military crime cannot and should not be allowed by the Government of India. India must not lose sight of its preamble and democratic vision and foundation,” the statement added.
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Affirming that “life is sacred” and that taking lives is “an act of abhorrence to God and our Christian moral principle,” the NBCC extended its condolences and prayers to the bereaved families and the people of Khammoi village and the Eastern Konyak Region “during this most challenging time.”
The statement concluded with a verse from Proverbs 24:11–12: “Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die. Don’t try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done.”
