NLF and NCCI condemn killing of church leaders in Kangpokpi ambush, seek justice, peace, and impartial investigation
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DIMAPUR — The Naga Legislators’ Forum (NLF), Manipur, and the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) on Wednesday condemned the killing of church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, where three religious leaders were killed and several others injured in an armed ambush.
In a statement, the NLF Manipur condemned the killing and violence allegedly carried out by militants near Kotlen.
Describing the incident as a “cold-blooded murder” of “unarmed and peace-loving religious leaders”, the forum said the attack was unacceptable and urged law enforcement agencies to trace and arrest those responsible at the earliest.
The forum conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, relatives and friends of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to the injured persons.
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The NLF also appealed to the people of Manipur to exercise restraint and work together to restore peace and harmony in the state.
Additionally, the forum appealed for the safe release of civilians, both Naga and Kuki, who were reportedly being detained, and urged that they be released unharmed at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expressed “deep shock, grief and anguish” over the ambush on pastors and church workers returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending the United Baptist Convention Assembly on May 13.
The NCCI stated that the killing of three pastors and injuries sustained by others had caused “immense pain and sorrow” among Christians across the country and all peace-loving people.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and injured persons, the church body extended condolences and assured prayers and support to those affected by the violence.
The council “vehemently and unequivocally” condemned the attack, describing it as a “brutal and inhuman act of violence” against church leaders and servants of God.
“Such atrocities constitute a grave assault not only on human dignity and life, but also on the sacred mission of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and communal harmony,” the NCCI stated.
The organisation appealed to the government of India, the government of Manipur and law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The NCCI also appealed to all communities to reject hatred and violence and instead uphold peace, dialogue, justice and mutual respect amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur.