Manipur: three Baptist pastors, driver killed. Bishop Neli calls for a stop to violence
The victims, members of the Thadou Baptist Association, were attacked in Kangpokpi district as they made their way home from a religious conference, sparking concern in a region ravaged by ethnic violence for the past three years. For the archbishop of Imphal, the parties to the conflict must not deepen the pain. He calls for life to be defended, as well as “forgiveness” and “peaceful coexistence,” urging the authorities to restore trust.
Imphal (AsiaNews) – Three Christian religious leaders and their driver were killed today in a what has all the hallmark of an ambush in Kangpokpi, a district in the Indian state of Manipur.
According to police sources, the attack occurred around 10 am between the villages of Kotlen and Kotzim, along the Imphal-Tamenglong highway. Other people were reportedly wounded, but the number has not yet been confirmed.
After attending a religious conference, the victims, members of the Thadou Baptist Association, were attacked as they made their way in two vehicles from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi.
The dead are Rev Dr V Sitlhou, former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Church, Rev Kaigoulun, Pastor Paogoulen, and the driver by the name of Lelen.
Following the incident, Thadou community organisations called a general strike in the Sadar Hills region of Kangpokpi district to protest the killings, a new and extremely serious event against the background of the ethnic violence that has shaken Manipur for three years, with more than 200 dead and thousands displaced.
In light of today's violence, the Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, a voice of peace in this troubled land, immediately appealed not to give in to the urge to seek revenge.
In a statement sent to AsiaNews, he writes: “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I express my profound grief over the tragic ambush on two vehicles carrying some church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district on 13th May 2026.
“This painful incident, in which innocent lives were lost and several others injured, has caused immense anguish and further deepened the suffering and uncertainty already prevailing in the state. I strongly condemn this heinous act committed against religious leaders who have remained a source of hope and strength during these difficult times of social unrest.”
Bishop Neli adds: “Manipur continues to witness fresh and sporadic violence in different parts of the State, further deepening the pain faced by its people. Such tragic events remind us of the urgent need to uphold the sanctity of human life and renew our commitment to peace and reconciliation.”
In his view, "Violence only deepens wounds, prolongs suffering, and weakens the bonds that unite communities. The people of Manipur have already endured immense pain, loss and suffering, and there is a growing longing everywhere for healing, understanding, and a return to normalcy.
To counter this, the prelate makes “a sincere and humble appeal to all concerned to refrain from every form of violence and retaliation, and instead embrace dialogue, forgiveness, reconciliation, restraint, and peaceful coexistence.”
What is more, he urges “the authorities and responsible institutions to act with wisdom, fairness, and sensitivity so that peace with justice may prevail and confidence among communities may be restored.
“In this dark hour, I express my prayerful solidarity with the bereaved families. We turn to God, the source of all compassion and mercy. We commend the souls of the innocent victims into his loving embrace.
“May the God of peace comfort the grieving, heal the wounded, forgive the wrong, protect all communities, and bless Manipur with reconciliation, understanding, and lasting peace.”
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13/12/2023 16:03
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