AICU, NBPU, KBBB, WC NNPGs, NSCN-Reformation (Akato) condemn attack
The brutal killing of senior church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has triggered a fresh wave of outrage across church bodies and political organisations, with strong demands for justice, disarmament, and urgent political intervention to restore peace in the violence-hit state.
The latest condemnations followed the May 13 ambush near Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district, where unidentified gunmen attacked two vehicles carrying leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) returning from a church conference in Churachandpur.
Those killed included Rev Vumthang Sitlhou, president of the TBA and former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Rev Kaigoulen, Pastor Paogoulen, and a driver. Several others sustained injuries in the attack.
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The All India Catholic Union (AICU) described the killings as “an attack not only on individual lives but on the fragile work of peace in Manipur.”
“They were not combatants nor were they armed. They were church leaders, pastors and servants of their communities,” AICU National President Er. Elias Vaz stated.
Calling for an “immediate, impartial and transparent investigation,” the AICU said the killings could not be viewed in isolation amid the continuing collapse of peace and constitutional governance in Manipur since May 2023.
“More than 250 lives have been lost. Over 60,000 people have been displaced. Hundreds of churches and villages have been destroyed,” it said, while urging the Government of India to prioritise the recovery of looted weapons and initiate a time-bound political dialogue among Meitei, Kuki-Zo and Naga communities.
The Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union (NBPU) also condemned the killings, stating that the attack on church leaders was “not only an attack on humanity but also an assault on the sacred values of peace, dignity, and brotherhood.”
“We urge the concerned authorities to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry so that the perpetrators behind this horrific crime are identified and brought to justice,” the NBPU stated.
The Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Banjum (KBBB) strongly condemned the “barbaric and inhuman killing” and expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
Quoting scripture, KBBB stated that human beings are created in the image of God, citing Genesis 1:27 and Exodus 20:13, and said, “To kill a human being is not merely to destroy a life, but to dishonour and destroy the image of God Himself.”
It appealed to all communities and authorities to reject hatred, revenge and violence, and instead work towards “peace, reconciliation, justice, and mutual respect.”
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The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs), led by N Kitovi Zhimomi, termed the incident a “heinous, cold blooded murder” and said the act went against “the very core principle of communal harmony and peaceful co-existence.”
“Although no group has claimed responsibility as yet, regardless of the identity of the perpetrators and their leadership, this evil act is unfathomable,” it said, adding that the “extremely barbaric and wicked act will go down as the most undignified deed done against the church leaders who are the propagators of peace in the region.”
Meanwhile, NSCN/GPRN-Reformation (Akato) strongly denounced the killings, calling them “brutal and unprovoked.”
“The dastardly act perpetrated by the armed group upon the innocent church members is nothing short of cowardice,” it stated.
Across the statements, organizations appealed against revenge and retaliatory violence, while reiterating calls for peace, reconciliation, and justice in the conflict-ridden state.
