Senapati, May 13: United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned the deadly ambush on leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, which reportedly left three persons dead and five others grievously injured.
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In a press release issued on May 13, the council described the attack as “outrageous” and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families.
According to UNC, the incident occurred between Kotzin and Kotlen while the church leaders were returning from Churachandpur. Among those killed was Rev. V. Silthou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention.
“We extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray that the merciful God will grant them the grace to bear the great loss in this hour of grief,” the statement read.
The council also raised concern over reports that around 20 Nagas from Konsakhul village were allegedly being held hostage by residents of Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village following the ambush.
UNC termed the reported detention of innocent villagers “unacceptable” and said such actions violated the norms of civilized society and risked escalating tensions between communities.
“We are not able to comprehend this action of Leilon Vaiphei which seems to be a response to the very incident cited above which Nagas condemn without any reservation as fellow Christians,” the statement added.
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The organisation appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of the alleged hostages, stressing the importance of respecting the right to life and dignity of every individual irrespective of community.
UNC further called upon civil society organisations, church leaders and community leaders across all communities to stand united against violence and work collectively toward restoring peaceful coexistence and communal harmony in the conflict-affected region.
The ambush on the TBA church leaders has sparked widespread condemnation across Manipur and the Northeast, with several organisations demanding justice and an impartial investigation into the killings.
