A delegation of church leaders representing the Manipur Baptist Convention, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation and Baptist World Alliance held talks with leaders of the United Naga Council, the Naga People’s Organisation and other civil society groups in Senapati district on Tuesday amid rising tensions in the region.
The ten-member church delegation discussed the prevailing situation between the tribal communities and explored ways to ease tensions following the hostage crisis that emerged after the killing of three church leaders on May 13.
After the meeting, the church leaders issued a strong humanitarian appeal for the unconditional release of hostages from both sides.
Speaking to reporters, Rev. Dr. Namseng R. Marak, Secretary General of CBCNEI, described the situation as extremely painful for the affected families and urged all communities to maintain restraint, patience and pursue peace through forgiveness and reconciliation.
He said the church leaders had already reached out to both Naga and Kuki communities and expressed hope that the discussions with UNC leaders would help bring a positive outcome. He also appealed to people not to spread or believe rumours and unverified social media content, stressing the need for brotherhood and humanity to restore peace in Manipur.
AC Thotso, Member Secretary of the Working Committee of UNC, said the Baptist leaders had conveyed a joint peace appeal from the Baptist World Alliance, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, CBCNEI and the Manipur Baptist Convention. Welcoming the initiative, he said the matter would be examined by the organisation’s decision-making bodies and added that lasting peace can prevail only when truth is acknowledged.
Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had met the church leaders at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and appreciated their efforts to restore peace and harmony among communities in the state.
The church delegation also visited victim families in Keithelmanbi and Damdei village in Kangpokpi district to offer condolences.
