Multiple civil and political organisations strongly condemn the brutal killing of Thadou Baptist Association church leaders in Manipur.
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DIMAPUR — Multiple organisations have condemned the brutal killing of Thadou Baptist Association church leaders in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on May 13.
NBPU: The Nagaland Baptist Pastors' Union (NBPU) expressed deep sorrow and shock over the incident, stating that innocent servants of God were mercilessly attacked while returning from a Christian gathering.
The union denounced all forms of violence, hatred, intimidation, and bloodshed against innocent civilians and religious leaders.
It appealed to all communities, civil bodies, churches, and responsible authorities not to allow anger, propaganda, revenge, or misinformation to fuel further bloodshed. It urged the concerned authorities to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry so that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
Related: Three church leaders killed, five injured in Manipur ambush
UCF: The United Christian Forum strongly condemned the killings and called on both central and state governments to take concrete corrective measures to stop the prolonged unrest that started on May 3, 2023.
The forum noted that the victims were involved in brokering peace between the Kukis and Tangkhul Nagas in the restive Kamjong and Ukhrul districts.
The forum appreciated Manipur Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who visited the injured and assured the highest standard of care after rescuing them from the hills. It also appealed for necessary steps to release 20 Nagas of Konsakhul village who were held hostage by people from Leilon Vaihei village, as well as 23 Kuki labourers detained by locals in the same district.
LBCA: The Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) expressed unequivocal condemnation over the attack that claimed the lives of Thadou church leaders and left several others critically injured.
The association stated that the deliberate targeting of unarmed religious leaders and civilians reflects a disturbing erosion of compassion, accountability, and the fear of God in society.
The association called upon the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, law enforcement agencies, and all concerned authorities to initiate an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the heinous incident.
WC NNPG: The Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPG), under the convenorship of N Kitovi Zhimomi, stated it was shocked beyond words at the cold-blooded murder of Rev. V Sitlhou and the Thadou Baptist Association team.
It stated that the barbaric act will go down as the most undignified deed done against church leaders who are propagators of peace in the region.
NSCN/GPRN-Reformation: The NSCN/GPRN-Reformation vehemently condemned the unprovoked attack wherein three church leaders were murdered and four others critically wounded.
The group stated that the dastardly act perpetrated upon innocent church members is nothing short of cowardice.
NMA: The Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) conveyed its deepest condolences to the deceased leaders and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
The association called for the safe release of all hostages in the crisis that has arisen in the aftermath, appealing for peace and an end to violence in Manipur. It called upon the Government of Manipur for a speedy investigation to bring justice and accountability.
AICC National Coordinator: Rajesh Kumar Sethi, National Coordinator of the AICC Minority Department In-charge of Manipur, also condemned the killings. He stated that the continuous cycle of violence in Manipur has caused immense suffering, displacement, and loss of lives since 2023.
Sethi urged the government to ensure the arrest of all perpetrators, a transparent investigation, adequate security for vulnerable communities, and concrete confidence-building measures.