Choose Peace Over Conflict, Love Over Hatred: KCLF Calls for Healing, Reconciliation and Trust Restoration

In a strongly worded appeal amid rising tensions between sections of Kuki and Tangkhul communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, the Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum (KCLF) expressed grave concern over the spiralling violence, condemned all forms of hostility, and issued an urgent call for peace, Christian unity, truth and reconciliation.

In its official statement, KCLF said it was deeply disturbed that a local misunderstanding involving a few individuals at Litan village had been allowed to snowball into a wider wave of violence, further deepening divisions in a state already battered by prolonged ethnic conflict.

Calling the situation “most unfortunate” and “heartbreaking,” the Christian body said Manipur, which has already suffered immense pain, cannot afford another cycle of bloodshed among communities that “worship the same God, read the same Scriptures, and profess the same gospel of peace.”

The forum said the violence and hostilities have already led to loss of innocent lives, destruction of homes and properties, and widespread fear and trauma among affected populations, while strongly urging an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further suffering.

KCLF underscored that violence can neither deliver justice nor secure lasting peace, warning that it only deepens wounds, destroys relationships and imposes long-term hardship on families, students and society. It further cautioned that the present unrest, if fuelled by hatred, misinformation and vested interests, would not only damage inter-community relations but also cast a far-reaching negative impact on Christians in India as a whole.

Stressing the shared historical, social and spiritual ties between Kukis and Nagas of Manipur, the forum said both communities share common faith traditions, intertwined histories, and cultural roots, and urged all sections of society — including community leaders, civil organisations, youth groups and concerned stakeholders — to reject false narratives, exercise restraint and commit to peaceful dialogue and reconciliation.

In one of its strongest observations, KCLF voiced serious concern over what it described as the misuse of church buildings, pulpits and religious teachings in ways that encourage hostility, justify violence or influence youth toward conflict.

The forum warned that ethnocentric interpretations of the Holy Scriptures in a multiethnic society directly contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ and risk intensifying ethnic hatred. It also criticised overemphasis on divisive theological narratives, asserting that the Bible must never be weaponised to incite hatred or legitimise violence between communities, particularly among fellow Christians.

“The Church is called to be a witness of peace, reconciliation, and truth,” the statement asserted, while reminding pastors and church leaders of their sacred responsibility to faithfully preach the Gospel and promote healing, peace and unity.

KCLF also raised alarm over misinformation, false narratives and inflammatory rhetoric circulating through social media and public discourse, saying much of the information that stirred public sentiment remains either unverified or false.

It called upon the public to refrain from spreading rumours, hate speech and divisive propaganda, warning that misinformation has already caused immense damage and carries the power to inflame further violence.

Seeking accountability, the forum appealed to the authorities concerned to expedite fair and impartial investigations into incidents and allegations that triggered the escalation, cautioning that delayed justice could worsen the already fragile situation.

Reaffirming the deep bonds between Kuki and Tangkhul communities, KCLF appealed to peace-loving members of both sides to reject fear, anger and manipulation by vested interests, and instead choose peace over conflict, dialogue over destruction, and love over hatred.

Invoking the Biblical message, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” the forum urged communities to work collectively for healing, reconciliation and restoration of trust.