Church Delegation Meet Leaders of Naga CSOs at Senapati

A ten-member team of church leaders representing the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI), the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) and the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) met leaders of the United Naga Council , Naga People's Organisation (NPO) and other civil society organisations at the office of United Naga Council in Senapati district on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed the prevailing tense situation between the two tribal communities in the region and ways to defuse the present crisis arising out of the hostage incident following the killing of three church leaders on May 13, 2026.

The church leaders strongly appealed for the unconditional release of hostages on both sides on humanitarian grounds.

Speaking to the media, Rev. Dr. Namseng R. Marak, Secretary General, CBCNEI, said that it has been a difficult moment for the affected families and appealed to all communities to exercise restraint, remain patient and move forward in the spirit of forgiveness and peace.

The reverend said that church leaders had already appealed to both the Naga and Kuki communities and expressed hope that positive outcomes would emerge from the discussions held with UNC leaders. He also urged people not to believe in rumours or unverified social media posts and called upon all communities to uphold brotherhood and humanity for the restoration of peace in Manipur.

AC. Thotso, Member Secretary, Working Committee UNC, said that the Baptist leaders had brought a joint appeal from the Baptist World Alliance, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, CBCNEI and MBC.

The UNC leader welcomed the peace initiative taken by the church leaders and stated that the matter would be considered by the appropriate decision-making bodies of the organisation. He reiterated that peace can prevail only when truth is acknowledged.

It is learnt that another group of church leaders also visited the victim families in Keithelmanbi and Damdei village in Kangpokpi to offer their condolences.

A ten-member team of church leaders representing the Council for Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) had called on the Chief Minister on Monday  to discuss the tense situation between the two tribal communities.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur Losii Dikho. The church leaders have volunteered to broker peace between the two communities. (DIPR)