NBCC and NCD condemn killing of six Naga civilians in Kangpokpi district and calls for justice, peace and reconciliation in Manipur.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed profound grief and condemned the killing of six Naga civilians who were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on May 13.
In a statement, the NBCC described the incident as a "barbaric and inhuman act" and said the crime was not only an attack on the victims and their families but also an assault on human dignity, justice and the sanctity of life.
"The abduction and killing of civilians can never be justified under any circumstance. No political agenda, ethnic conflict, territorial claim or historical grievance can legitimise the taking of innocent human lives," the council stated.
The NBCC said such acts reflected "the depths of human cruelty" and constituted a grave affront to God, who created every person in His image.
Quoting biblical teachings, the council reaffirmed that every human being possesses inherent worth and dignity and said the deliberate murder of innocent civilians was a direct violation of God's commandment,
The council noted that the continuing violence in Manipur had brought immense suffering to families and communities, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of homes and widespread displacement.
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"The killing of these six civilians is yet another painful reminder of the urgent need to break this vicious cycle of violence and retaliation," it said.
The NBCC urged the concerned authorities to conduct a swift, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that all those responsible were identified, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.
It said the families of the victims deserved truth, accountability and closure.
The council also appealed to those involved in the violence to immediately cease attacks against innocent civilians.
It further called on political leaders, civil society organisations, tribal bodies and religious institutions to reject divisive rhetoric, resist vengeance and work collectively towards peace, reconciliation and mutual respect.
According to the NBCC, sustainable peace cannot be built on fear, bloodshed and hatred, but must emerge through truth, justice, repentance, forgiveness and genuine dialogue.
The council also urged churches across the region to pray for the bereaved families support those affected by the violence and uphold the values of justice, compassion and reconciliation.
NCD appeals for swift action over killings
The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has condemned the alleged abduction, killing and mutilation of six Liangmai Naga civilians from Konsaram village, reportedly carried out by Kuki militants on May 13 at Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur.
In a statement, the NCD expressed deep anguish over the incident, describing it as an inhumane and barbaric act committed against innocent villagers, whom it said were also servants of God. The council alleged that the victims' bodies were dismembered beyond recognition.
Terming the incident an unimaginable and despicable crime, the NCD said such acts should be condemned by all sections of society, adding that those responsible for such brutal killings have "no race nor religion."
The council appealed to the Government of Manipur to immediately arrest all those involved in the incident and ensure that exemplary punishment is awarded to the perpetrators. It further stated that justice must be delivered without delay.