Organisations condemn abduction, killings and violence in Manipur

DIMAPUR: Several Naga organisations and community bodies have strongly condemned the recent incidents of abduction, killings, and attacks on innocent civilians in Manipur, calling for peace, justice, and the immediate release of hostages.
LBCA: The Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), Vankhosung, condemned the May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi district that led to the killing of three senior Baptist pastors belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association, Manipur.
In a press statement issued by executive secretary Nyanchumo Lotha and president L. L. Kikon, the association stated that violence has no place in society and that killing innocent and unarmed servants of God would not solve the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
The association expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the church leaders and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
EKU: The Eastern Konyak Union (EKU) on behalf of the Eastern Konyak Naga also expressed concern over the suffering of the Tangkhul Naga community amid the ethnic violence in Manipur. The organisation said innocent civilians were continuously losing their lives in the hands of ethnic militants and appealed to all Naga leaders to unite and support the Southern Nagas through peaceful means.
The union strongly condemned the killing of the three church leaders, terming it an inhuman act, and appealed to both communities to avoid violence and seek peaceful solutions through dialogue and mutual understanding.
LCN: Liangmai Council Nagaland (LCN) unequivocally condemned the abduction of 18 Konsakhul Naga villagers from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. According to the council, the villagers were allegedly abducted by Kuki militants while returning from a marriage function.
In a statement, the Council described the incident as a “barbaric and cowardly act” against innocent and unarmed civilians, terming it a gross violation of human dignity and the rule of law. It stated that such acts of terror and intimidation are unacceptable and deserve the strongest condemnation.
It also called upon civil society organisations, churches, tribal bodies and citizens to oppose violence and terror threatening peaceful coexistence.
The LCN demanded the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all the abducted Konsakhul Naga villagers and warned that failure to ensure their safe release could compel the Naga people to undertake collective measures in defence of innocent civilians.
GPRN NSCN-K Michael: The GPRN NSCN-K Michael also condemned the killing of three church leaders and injury of four others while returning from a Baptist convention in Churachandpur.
In a statement issued by its MIP, the organisation described the attack as an assault on peace, humanity and religious freedom. It said such violent extremism posed a growing threat to society and reiterated the need for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and protection of human dignity.
GPRN NSCN-K Michael also prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and hoped that their legacy would continue to inspire courage, faith, and unity.
Zeliang and Kuki communities, Ahthibung Sub-Division: Leaders and citizens of the Zeliang and Kuki communities of Ahthibung Sub-Division condemned the incidents of killings, kidnappings, arson and destruction of houses involving sections of the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur.
The communities stated that taking innocent civilians hostage was against humanitarian and Christian values and appealed for the safe release of all hostages. They also condemned attacks on religious leaders and innocent civilians and urged all sections of society to maintain communal harmony and reject attempts to spread enmity and provocation.
Reaffirming the long-standing harmony and brotherhood shared between the Zeliang and Kuki communities in Ahthibung Sub-Division, the statement asserted that the peaceful coexistence maintained over the years should not be disturbed by incidents taking place elsewhere.
The joint statement further urged the authorities to take immediate steps to stop the violence, ensure the safety of civilians and bring those responsible to justice.