Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh commended the proactive role of church leaders in easing ethnic tensions following the recent killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district. The incident, where three Kuki community leaders were killed by unidentified militants, heightened tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in the state.
A delegation of 10 church leaders from the Council for Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) met with the Chief Minister to address the volatile situation arising from the violence. The meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, aimed to discuss ways to restore peace and harmony in the region.
The church leaders, volunteering to act as peace facilitators, expressed readiness to engage with all stakeholders to restore normalcy and reduce tensions between the communities. The Chief Minister appreciated their efforts and encouraged ongoing dialogue to build confidence and ease hostilities among the people.
The church leaders plan to operate through two teams for their peace outreach initiative. One team will visit Kangpokpi district to meet the families of the deceased church leaders and work towards reconciliation. Another team will engage with Naga church leaders and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Senapati district to address the tense situation and ongoing hostage crisis.
The Manipur government has pledged ex gratia assistance to the bereaved families and supports the church leaders’ efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the region. The peace initiative by the church leaders is crucial amidst rising concerns over inter-community tensions and violence in Manipur’s hill districts.
