Church leaders meet UNC to defuse Manipur crisis

IMPHAL — A ten-member team of church leaders representing the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI), Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) and Baptist World Alliance (BWA) met leaders of the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) and other civil society organisations at the UNC’s office in Senapati district, officials said on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed the prevailing tense situation between the two tribal communities in the region. Deliberations were also held on ways to defuse the present crisis arising out of the hostage incident following the killing of three church leaders on May 13, the district information officer said in a statement on Tuesday.

Following the interaction, the church leaders appealed for the unconditional release of hostages on both sides on humanitarian grounds.

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Speaking to the media, CBCNEI secretary general Rev. Dr. Namseng R Marak said that this was a difficult moment for the affected families and appealed to all communities to exercise restraint, remain patient and move forward in the spirit of forgiveness and peace, as per statement of district information officer.

He stated that the church leaders had already appealed to both the Naga and Kuki communities and expressed hope that positive outcomes would emerge from the discussions held with UNC leaders.

He also urged people not to believe in rumours or unverified social media posts and called upon all communities to uphold brotherhood and humanity for the restoration of peace in Manipur.

Member Secretary (Working Committee) of UNC, AC Thotso said that the Baptist leaders had brought a joint appeal from the Baptist World Alliance, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, CBCNEI and MBC.

He welcomed the peace initiative taken by the church leaders and stated that the matter would be considered by the appropriate decision-making bodies of the organisation. He reiterated that peace can prevail only when truth is acknowledged.