In an emotional appeal for peace amid the continuing tensions in Manipur, the son of a church leader killed in the recent ambush in Kangpokpi district publicly forgave those responsible for his father’s death and urged civil society organisations to help secure the release of civilians still being held captive.
Haominlun Sitlhou, son of slain pastor Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou, made the appeal during the burial ceremony of the three church leaders held on Friday, May 15, at the campus of the Thadou Baptist Association India in Motbung. Thousands of mourners attended the ceremony.
“I forgive those who killed my father in the name of the Lord and in the larger interest of peace,” Sitlhou said while addressing the gathering.
He also appealed to Naga civil society organisations, including the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), to intervene and ensure the safe release of the remaining Kuki civilians.
Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou was among the three church leaders killed in the May 13 ambush on civilian vehicles at Zero Point along the Kotlen–Kotzim road in Kangpokpi district. The attack also left several others dead and injured, officials said.
The burial ceremony, organised under the aegis of the Thadou Baptist Association India and acknowledged by Kuki Inpi Manipur, witnessed the participation of a large number of mourners from the Kuki-Zo community and neighbouring areas.
Family members, church leaders, and community representatives paid tributes to the deceased as prayers and hymns marked the final rites.
The killings have triggered widespread grief and condemnation across the hill districts, with community leaders calling for justice and the restoration of peace in the conflict-hit region.
