Imphal (Manipur), May 20 : Church envoys took their peace mission to the heart of Naga country Tuesday, a day after meeting Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, as hostages from both Naga and Kuki sides remain in captivity.
The 10-member team sat down with the United Naga Council, Naga People’s Organisation and other civil groups at the UNC office in Senapati district, pushing to cool tensions sparked by the May 13 killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi.
That attack set off a wave of abductions. More than 40 Kukis and Nagas were taken hostage across Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. Swift action by authorities, community elders and civil groups freed 30 of them on May 14 and 15, but several are still being held.
After Tuesday’s talks, the church leaders issued a direct appeal for the unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Rev. Dr. Namseng R. Marak, Secretary General of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, called this a “difficult moment” and urged communities to choose restraint, patience, and forgiveness over rumour and retaliation. He said the delegation had reached out to both sides and was hopeful the UNC dialogue would bring “positive outcomes.”
A.C. Thotso, Member Secretary of the United Naga Council’s Working Committee, confirmed the team carried a joint plea from the Baptist World Alliance, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, and Manipur Baptist Convention. Thotso welcomed the initiative and said it would go to the UNC’s decision-making bodies, stressing that “peace can prevail only when truth is acknowledged.”
Chief Minister Singh met the delegation Monday and praised their bid to restore harmony. Another group of church leaders visited Keithelmanbi and Damdei villages in Kangpokpi to console families of the victims.
The delegation represents four major Baptist bodies, signaling global church concern over Manipur’s latest ethnic flashpoint.
