The chief ministers of Meghalaya and Mizoram on Wednesday condemned the killing of Baptist church leaders in Manipur, terming the attack a "senseless act of violence"
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SHILLONG/AIZAWL — The chief ministers of Meghalaya and Mizoram on Wednesday condemned the killing of Baptist church leaders in Manipur, terming the attack a "senseless act of violence" and calling for immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mizoram's main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), also deplored the killing in the neighbouring state's Kangpokpi district and demanded strict punishment for the culprits.
Both Meghalaya and Mizoram are Christian-majority states in the Northeastern region.
Three church leaders were shot dead and four others injured in an attack by suspected militants in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Wednesday. The incident happened when members of the Thadou Baptist Association were returning from Churachandpur after attending a religious congregation.
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In a statement, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, "The victims, who were respected members of the Kuki Baptist community and associated with the Manipur Baptist Convention and the Kuki Church Leaders Forum, devoted their lives to spiritual guidance, peace building, and service to humanity."
Sangma said that the brutal and cowardly killing was deeply disturbing and utterly unacceptable in any civilised society.
"Targeting such individuals is not only an attack on innocent lives but also a grave assault on the values of harmony, compassion, and coexistence that bind our society together," the Meghalaya chief minister said.
The NPP chief expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and the Kuki Baptist community and extended condolences to the families of those killed in the incident.
Calling for urgent intervention by authorities, Sangma urged both the Centre and the Manipur government to ensure a transparent and time-bound investigation.
He also called for stronger security measures in conflict-affected areas to protect vulnerable communities.
"At this critical juncture, the NPP reiterates the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and collective efforts toward peace. Violence can never be a solution to any grievance, and such acts only deepen divisions and prolong suffering," he added.
Sangma also appealed to civil society organisations, community leaders and citizens to work collectively towards restoring peace and harmony in Manipur and across the Northeast.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed deep sorrow over the killing of the church leaders.
"Deeply saddened and anguished by the brutal killing of Kuki Church leaders in Manipur. Such heinous violence is utterly condemnable and unacceptable," he said in a post on X.
Lalduhoma also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the church community affected by the tragedy.
The MNF issued a statement in the Mizoram capital Aizawl, describing the incident as deeply tragic and expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.
The party said that the incident was especially unfortunate at a time when peace and normalcy were gradually returning to Manipur, which was rocked by ethnic violence since May 2023.
The MNF, which advocates the reunification of all Mizo or Zo tribes, further stated that the assault on religious leaders was difficult to comprehend and highly condemnable.