Church, political and civil bodies call for justice and restraint
The killing of three senior church leaders belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) in an ambush between Kotlen and Kotzim villages in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday has triggered widespread condemnation across church, political and civil organisations, including the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, the NSCN-IM, and the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM).
The NBCC in a statement said it had learned “with deep sorrow” about the ambush in which three church leaders were killed and others grievously injured.
“We condemn this act of violence without reservation. The taking of human life is a violation of God’s law and an assault on the image of God in which every person is made,” the NBCC stated.
Calling the killings “an attack on the faith community and a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life,” the council urged authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, apprehend those responsible, and ensure justice through lawful means.
“The NBCC further appealed to the grieving community not to seek vengeance, but to trust in justice and peace.
“Every life is sacred and killing of church leaders in this crisis is unimaginable and an act of abhorrence to God and our Christian moral principle,” the statement added.
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Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio also strongly condemned what he described as the “brutal killing” of church leaders, stating that such “barbaric and senseless violence against innocent lives is unacceptable and has no place in any civilised society.” Rio conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the church community, and the people of Manipur.
The NSCN-IM also issued a statement expressing shock and anguish over the killings, describing the victims as “unarmed civilians” and “highly respected church leaders.”
“The NSCN condemns in the strongest terms such devilish actions and request the authorities to unearth the perpetrators who had committed such unheard-of barbarism,” it stated.
The NSCN-IM also called it “unfortunate that certain organisations have resorted to casting blame upon others without proper verification, while some may themselves be attempting to exploit the tragedy for ulterior motives at the expense of innocent lives”.
“Such actions only further expose the extent to which certain Kuki organisations are willing to inflame the already volatile situation in the region,” it said.
The NSCN reiterated its unwavering stand for peace, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence among all communities.
“At a time when tensions remain high, iresponsible accusations and retaliatory narratives will only deepen divisions and prolong suttering,” it added.
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Adding its voice, ABAM expressed “deepest shock and grief” over what it described as the “barbaric ambush” on TBA leaders led by Rev V Sitlhou.
“This horrific act is not merely an attack on innocent individuals but an assault on peace, humanity, and the sacred ministry of reconciliation,” ABAM stated.
Describing the slain church leaders as men who carried “the burden of peace, unity, healing, and hope for a wounded society,” ABAM said the killings were a tragedy that “wounds the conscience of every civilized society.”
ABAM condemned the violence in the strongest terms and called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice without delay.
“Violence can never build peace. Hatred can never heal wounds. Bloodshed only deepens the darkness of human suffering,” the statement said, while urging citizens not to surrender to hatred or revenge.
Quoting Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God”, ABAM called for peace, healing and justice.
As condemnation poured in from church, political and civil society bodies, a common message emerged: justice must prevail, peace must be protected, and the killing of religious leaders must not trigger further cycles of hatred or violence in an already fragile region.
