Dimapur Christians Hold Peace Rally Condemning Killing of Three Kuki Pastors in Manipur

A peaceful protest rally was held in Dimapur on Friday evening as members of the Christian community came together to condemn the killing of three Kuki pastors in Manipur on May 13. The victims were allegedly ambushed by the Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM along with ZUF-Kasom, which organisers described as a proxy group of the outfit.

The rally commenced at around 5:00 PM from Patkai Bazaar Junction and proceeded towards Half Nagarjan Traffic Police Point. Hundreds of people, including church leaders, youth groups, women’s organisations, and members of the public, participated in the march carrying banners and placards bearing messages such as “Peace Not War” and “Serve the People, Serve the Nation, Serve God.”

A prominent banner displayed photographs of the three deceased pastors — Rev. V. Sitlhou, Pr. Paogoulen, and Rev. Paogoulun — describing them as victims of a “tragic ambush.” Participants observed the rally in a solemn atmosphere, expressing grief over the deaths and calling for justice.

Organisers stated that the protest was aimed at mourning the slain pastors and raising concern over what they described as increasing targeted violence against civilians and church leaders in Manipur. Speakers during the gathering appealed for an impartial investigation into the May 13 incident and urged both the state and central governments to ensure the safety of religious workers serving in conflict-hit areas.

The protesters also demanded the immediate release of civilians who were allegedly taken hostage following the ambush.

The rally remained peaceful throughout, with heavy deployment of Dimapur Police personnel along the route to maintain law and order. The programme concluded with prayer services led by church elders, who prayed for the bereaved families as well as for peace and reconciliation in both Manipur and Nagaland.

Several civil society organisations in Dimapur also expressed solidarity with the Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum, which had earlier called for a thorough probe into the killings. Organisers reiterated that the rally was non-political and was held solely to uphold peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life.