The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) have separately condemned a series of violent incidents in Manipur, including the killing of church leaders, attacks on civilians, and reported abductions, calling for justice, restraint and immediate action from authorities.
NSF demands immediate release of Naga hostages
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly condemned what it described as a series of violent attacks, killings and abductions targeting civilians and religious leaders in Manipur, calling for the immediate release of all Naga hostages and accountability from authorities.
In a statement issued on May 15 from Kohima, the federation said, “No act of hostility can intimidate the Nagas,” while expressing outrage over the ambush on church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association. It stated that three individuals were killed and five others injured while travelling between Kotzin and Kotlen on their return from Churachandpur.
Among those killed were Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou.
The NSF also condemned the killing of a Chiru Naga civilian in Joujangtek area of Noney district on May 13, where Wilson Thanga was killed and his wife sustained critical injuries.
It further condemned the alleged abduction of two religious workers, identified as Bro. Peter Küvisie Poji of the Pochury community and Bro. Aching Paul of the Rongmei community, from Saparmaina while they were travelling from Don Bosco Imphal to Don Bosco Maram on the night of May 13.
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The federation also expressed concern over reports that around 18 villagers from Konsakhul had been held hostage by individuals from Leilon Vaiphei village.
Stating that repeated incidents of violence have “liquidated all sense of humanity,” the NSF questioned the inaction of both the state and central governments. It noted that although some hostages, including two religious brothers and 12 women, were reportedly released, several cases remain unresolved.
Reiterating its demand, the NSF called for the “unconditional and immediate release of all the Naga hostages unharmed by the perpetrators.”
“While the Naga people do not condone violence, neither shall we kneel as silent spectators while injustice burns before our eyes,” the NSF stated. “If history demands courage, we shall answer, not with fear, but with resistance,” it said, adding that any attack on one Naga would be treated as an attack on all. “We stand together as one people, rooted in our ancestral land, united in our rights and identity,” the NSF maintained.
“The aggressors must immediately desist from waging war and inciting violence, lest we go even,” it said.
ABCC condemns killing of church leaders, calls for justice and peace
The Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) has strongly condemned the killing of three church leaders in Manipur, describing the incident as “brutal, barbaric and inhuman” and urging a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Condemning the attack in strong terms, the ABCC stated that the act represented a disregard for the sanctity of human life. It added, “Do not touch my anointed ones” says the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:22; Psalm 105:15), emphasising that violence against religious leaders is a grave offence.
The ABCC further noted that targeting messengers of peace and reconciliation raises serious concerns for society.
The council appealed to the Government of Manipur to conduct an impartial and time-bound investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It also urged the affected communities to refrain from retaliation and hatred, calling for restraint and allowing justice to take its course.
