DIMAPUR, MAY 13 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton, and several other organisations have strongly condemned the killing of three church leaders in an attack by suspected militants in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
Denouncing the brutal killing of a delegation of church leaders in Manipur, the chief minister stated that such barbaric and senseless violence against innocent lives was unacceptable and had no place in any civilised society.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Rio conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the church community, and the people of Manipur during this time of grief. He also prayed for strength and comfort for all those affected by the tragedy.
Patton: State deputy chief minister Y Patton expressed pain over the killing and said that such acts of violence against unarmed church leaders and innocent citizens were unacceptable and deeply disturbing.
Patton extended condolences to the bereaved families, TBAI and the wider Thadou community during this difficult time.
He also expressed concern for those injured in the incident and prayed for their speedy recovery.
Further, Patton urged the authorities to ensure a fair and timely investigation so those responsible for the attack were identified and brought to justice according to law.
Patton also appealed to all communities to maintain peace and harmony and not allow the incident to create further tension in the region.
NBCC: Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) expressed deep sorrow and strongly condemned the ambush on members of the Thadou Baptist Association in which three church leaders were killed and five others grievously injured.
In a statement, NBCC president Rev. Achu Chang, general secretary Rev. Dr. Mar. Pongener, and secretary for social concern Dr. Villo Naleo described the killings as a violation of God’s law and an assault on the sanctity of human life.
“We condemn this act of violence without reservation,” the council said. “Such violence is a grave transgression that impacts all of us.”
NBCC called upon the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, apprehend those responsible, and ensure justice through lawful means.
It urged the perpetrators to surrender to justice and appealed to the grieving community to refrain from vengeance and instead trust in due process.
The council emphasized that every life is sacred and denounced the act as abhorrent to Christian principles. NBCC extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayer support for the injured, wishing them speedy recovery.
NCCI: National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) has expressed deep shock and anguish over the ambush on pastors and church workers from the Kuki community who were returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur on May 13 after attending the United Baptist Convention Assembly.
In a statement, NCCI general secretary Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer described the incident as a “brutal and inhuman act of violence”. It condemned the attack on church leaders, terming it a grave assault on human dignity, the sanctity of life, and the mission of peacebuilding and reconciliation.
The council extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured prayers and support for those affected. It urged the Government of India, the Manipur government, and law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation and ensure those responsible are identified, held accountable and prosecuted.
NCCI also appealed to all communities and citizens to reject hatred and violence and instead uphold peace, dialogue, justice and mutual respect. It also called upon religious leaders and civil society organisations to work collectively towards restoration of peace and human dignity in Manipur.
The council prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and healing for the people of the state.
NJCF: Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has expressed shock and grief over the ambush and killing of church workers, including Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, between Kangpokpi and Churachandpur in Manipur.
In a statement, NJCF president Rev. Dr. N. Paphino, vice president Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, general secretary Rev. Moses Murry and church coordinator and relations Rev. Dr. Hotokhu Zhimomi mourned the death of the “innocent church workers” who were engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts in the conflict-hit state.
The forum described the tragedy as a painful reminder that violence destroys lives and the hopes of communities seeking healing.
It strongly urged all communities, including Kukis and Nagas, to shun violence and work towards restoration of peace. “Violence only begets violence,” the NJCF said, adding that peace was the only way for humanity to live together under God.
The forum quoted Biblical verses, including Matthew 5:9 and Psalm 34:18, and prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families. It called upon all people to renew their commitment to reconciliation, unity and the sanctity of human life.
FNBA: Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA) has expressed deep sorrow and strongly condemned the killing of leaders of Thadou Baptist Association (TBA).
In a press release, FNBA president Rev. Dr. Visor H. Zeliang, vice president Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, recorder Rev. Dr. P. James, joint recorder Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha and general secretary Rev. Dr. H. Gideon conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the TBA and all those affected, while praying for God’s strength and comfort in this time of grief.
The association denounced all forms of violence, hatred and retaliation, stating that the taking of innocent lives only deepens wounds and distances communities from reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
FNBA also expressed serious concern over reports of innocent persons being held hostage after the incident. It appealed for restraint and the immediate and safe release of all hostages, emphasizing respect for the dignity of every human life.
FNBA urged church leaders, civil society organisations, tribal bodies and all communities to reject violence and pursue dialogue, understanding, forgiveness and peace.
Quoting Matthew 5:9, the association prayed for healing, justice, reconciliation and lasting peace in the region.
ABAM: Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) also strongly condemned the ambush and killing of leaders of TBA.
In a statement, ABAM president Rev. O. Sashi Ozüküm and executive secretary Rev. Temsu Jamir described the incident as a “barbaric ambush” and an assault on peace, humanity, and the sacred ministry of reconciliation. “These church leaders carried no weapons of violence but the burden of peace, unity, healing and hope for a wounded society,” ABAM said.
ABAM conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, TBA and the wider Christian community.
It also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
ABAM urged the responsible authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay. It also appealed to believers and citizens not to resort to hatred or revenge, but to uphold truth, justice and the spirit of peace.
UNC: United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned the ambush on TBA leaders in Manipur in which three persons were killed and five others grievously injured.
In a statement, the UNC extended sincere condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for God’s grace to help them bear the loss. The council also expressed deep concern over reports that about 20 Nagas from Konsakhul village were taken hostage by Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village hours after the ambush. “We are not able to comprehend this action,” the UNC said, adding that targeting innocent villagers and holding them hostage was unacceptable and violated all norms of civilized society.
UNC appealed to the concerned party to immediately release the hostages unconditionally, respecting the right to life and dignity of every individual.
UNC called upon civil society organisations, church leaders and community leaders of all communities to stand united against violence and work towards restoration of peaceful coexistence and communal harmony.
NSCN (I-M): Expressing deep shock and anguish over the ambush and brutal murder of three church leaders, NSCN (I-M) strongly condemned the “devilish act” and urged authorities to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
NSCN (I-M) through its MIP conveyed sincere condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
NSCN (I-M) also criticised certain organisations for casting blame without proper verification and attempting to exploit the tragedy for ulterior motives, saying such actions only inflame the already volatile situation.
The group reiterated its stand for peace, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among all communities. It warned that irresponsible accusations and retaliatory narratives would deepen divisions and prolong suffering.