Baptists killed in Manipur were ‘messengers of hope’ say Indian bishops

Catholic bishops in India condemned the killing of three Baptist pastors in an ambush in the north-eastern state of Manipur.

The Revd Vumthang Sitlhou, president of the Thadou Baptist Association, the Revd Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen were travelling back from a meeting of church leaders in Churachandpur on 13 May when the two vehicles they were travelling in were attacked in Kangpokpi district.

The attack left four other pastors and two drivers critically injured. Following the killings, armed men from the state’s restive hill districts took 38 hostages, including women. However, 28 of them including two Salesian brothers, Panmei Aching Albert and Poji Kiivisie Peter, and women from the Naga ethnic group were released the next day.

Appealing for peace and calm, Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal – the capital of Manipur – urged all sides to “refrain from every form of violence and retaliation”.

“At this time, Manipur continues to witness fresh and sporadic violence … further deepening the pain faced by its people. Such tragic events remind us of the urgent need to uphold the sanctity of human life and renew our commitment to peace and reconciliation,” he said.

Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati, in neighbouring Assam, said “this cruel and painful act of violence had taken the lives of innocent servants of God who worked tirelessly for peace, unity and the spiritual well-being of their people”.

The slain church leaders “were not only pastors and ministers, but also messengers of hope, peace and reconciliation in a region that has suffered much pain and division”, said Moolachira, who is also president of the North East India Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council. He said it was deeply disturbing that those who dedicate their lives to peace and harmony became victims of such violence.

A statement from the United Christian Forum of North East India sought the immediate arrest of the culprits and measures to ensure the safety of Christian minorities and church leaders in conflict-affected areas from further targeted violence.

The Indian Christian Women’s Association voiced concern at the “unbridled violence” in Manipur. “We hope and pray that the responsible authorities of the state and leaders of civil society engage constructively to resolve ethnic conflicts and restore peace in the region,” they said.

Ethnic violence between the Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur that began in May 2023 has claimed more than 258 lives and rendered over 60,000 people homeless.

This article was originally published on https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/baptists-killed-in-manipur-were-messengers-of-hope-say-indian-bishops/