Kuki-Zo Christian Leaders Demand Fast-Track Probe into Slain Pastors, Urge Government to End Prolonged Blockade as CM Advocates 'Forgive and Forget'

Making an emotional appeal for justice and peace, Church leaders from across Kangpokpi District under the banner of the Kuki-Zo Christian Forum (KZCF) on Wednesday organized a mass prayer service and peace rally, demanding the immediate completion of the investigation into the killing of three Church pastors and urgent government intervention to end the prolonged economic blockade affecting Kuki-Zo areas.

The programme commenced with a special prayer service at KBC Centre Church, Kangpokpi, followed by a peaceful rally to National Highway-2, where Church leaders and believers staged a sit-in demonstration before submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who briefly stopped at Kangpokpi while returning from Senapati.

The rally centred on the May 13 ambush in which three Church leaders—Rev. V. Sitlhou, former Chairman of the Kuki-Zo Christian Forum, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou—were killed while travelling in Kangpokpi District.

Describing the killings as a grievous attack on the Church and the Kuki-Zo community, the Forum urged the Government to expedite the ongoing investigation, identify those responsible, and ensure that justice is delivered without further delay.

Addressing the gathering, Rev. Dr. S. Chongloi, Chairman of the Kuki-Zo Christian Forum, said the violence witnessed across Kangpokpi over the past three months stemmed from the brutal killing of the three pastors.

He alleged that since the attack, 14 innocent Kuki-Zo people, including the three pastors, have lost their lives, while 14 Kuki-Zo villages have been burnt, causing widespread displacement and fear among civilians.

“The Church has consistently prayed for peace and restraint despite immense suffering. Justice for our slain pastors and innocent civilians cannot be delayed any longer,” he said.

In the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the Forum said the Kuki-Zo community has endured immense hardship since the violence began, while expressing concern that the killings of the Church leaders and other victims have not received the urgency they deserve.

The memorandum appealed to the Government to fast-track the investigation into the killing of the three pastors, deliver justice to all 14 victims, and ensure accountability for those responsible.

The Forum also called for the immediate lifting of the prolonged economic blockade, stating that restrictions on the movement of food, fuel, medicines and other essential commodities have inflicted severe hardship on ordinary civilians, particularly women, children, the elderly, the sick and displaced families.

Describing the blockade as a humanitarian crisis, the Church leaders urged the Government to restore unhindered access to essential supplies and healthcare and to take immediate steps to normalize the situation.

The memorandum further requested the Chief Minister to place the grievances before both the State Cabinet and the Union Government and to ensure prompt action so that justice, humanitarian relief and lasting peace are not delayed.

Receiving the memorandum, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh briefly interacted with the protesting Church leaders during his stopover at Kangpokpi before continuing his journey.

Addressing Christian church leaders and members of the public along the highway at Kangpokpi district headquarters, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh underscored the importance of the Christian principle of "forgive and forget" as a foundation for reconciliation and lasting peace.

He said prolonged conflict has its gravest impact on the younger generation, warning that when communities remain locked in violence, it is the youth who bear the consequences, jeopardising the future of society. He urged all communities, particularly religious leaders, to play a proactive role in persuading young people to shun violence and embrace peace.

Emphasising the need to restore a peaceful atmosphere conducive to inclusive development, the Chief Minister said sustained peace was essential for rebuilding lives, strengthening communal harmony and ensuring progress for all sections of society.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to the rule of law, he asserted that no individual or community is above the law and assured that justice would prevail without discrimination.

He further stressed the urgent need to bridge the prevailing trust deficit among communities, saying mutual confidence, dialogue and reconciliation were indispensable for securing enduring peace and stability in Manipur.

The rally concluded with prayers for peace, while Church leaders reaffirmed that justice for the slain pastors, early completion of the investigation, and an end to the prolonged blockade remain their foremost demands, asserting that lasting peace can only be achieved through accountability, humanitarian intervention and the rule of law.