The silence inside Leimakhong Baptist Church on Sundays and the closure of Hope International School have become painful reminders of the ongoing hostage crisis involving Reverend Dr. Manu Thiumai and five others in Manipur.
For the pastor’s family, church members and students, daily life has come to a standstill since Reverend Thiumai was allegedly taken hostage earlier this month along with several Naga civilians by suspected Kuki militants in Kangpokpi district.
According to local accounts, the incident took place on May 13 when 18 Naga civilians were allegedly detained by villagers from Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki village near Konsakhul. The group was reportedly travelling to and from Konsakhul village after attending a family wedding when they were intercepted.
Twelve people were released two days later, but six individuals, including Reverend Thiumai and his brother Dilip Thiumai, are still missing.
The incident has further increased anxiety in violence-hit Manipur, where ethnic tensions and displacement have continued since clashes first broke out in 2023.
For the Thiumai family, the abduction came shortly after a family celebration. Reverend Thiumai and several relatives had travelled to Konsakhul to attend the wedding and reception of his younger brother. While returning home, they were allegedly stopped and taken away along with others.
