Church bodies have offered to step in as mediators to defuse tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in conflict-hit Manipur, where a “total shutdown” and an “economic blockade” have disrupted normal life and stranded hundreds of vehicles across the state.
Two teams from the Council for Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) will visit Kangpokpi and Senapati districts as part of the peace initiative, according to an official statement issued on 18 May. The decision was conveyed to Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh by a 10-member delegation that met him to discuss the escalating situation.
“The church leaders have volunteered to broker peace between the two communities,” the statement said.
The move comes amid tensions triggered by alleged abductions following recent killings of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district. According to officials, 38 people from both communities were abducted by armed groups. So far, 31 have been released, including 14 Nagas and 16 Kukis. Six Nagas are still reported to be held, while Kuki organisations have claimed 14 Kukis remain in custody.
The Kangpokpi team will meet families of the slain church leaders and hold discussions with Kuki church leaders. The Senapati team will meet Naga church leaders and civil society groups. The government has also assured ex gratia support to the families of the deceased church leaders.
“The church leaders strongly feel that hostages on both sides need to be released urgently on humanitarian grounds,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, transport has been severely affected as the Kuki Inpi Manipur called a shutdown in Kuki areas and the United Naga Council imposed an economic blockade in Naga areas, leaving trucks stranded for several days.
(With inputs from agencies)
