LBCA Manipur and PDA have condemned the killing of six abducted Naga civilians, including two church leaders, and demanded justice, accountability and protection for vulnerable communities.
Imphal, June 11: Fresh condemnation has emerged from religious and political organisations following the recovery of the bodies of six Naga civilians who were abducted last month amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
The Liangmai Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) Manipur and the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) have separately denounced the killings, describing the incident as a grave violation of human dignity and calling for justice for the victims and their families.
In a statement issued on June 11, the LBCA strongly condemned what it described as the abduction and brutal killing of two church leaders and four civilians. The victims were identified as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, pastor of Leimakhong Baptist Church; Kenpibou Chawang, pastor of Juna (Harup) West Baptist Church; Dilip Thiumai of Konsakhul; Phenrongwi Thiumai of Konsakhul; Phenrilung Chawang of Konsakhul; and Kaliwangbou Abonmai of Konsakhul.
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The church body said the killings represented an attack not only on individual lives but also on the principles of peace, justice, religious freedom and human dignity.
"The targeting of spiritual leaders and defenseless civilians is especially reprehensible, as it spreads fear, grief and division within communities," the association said, adding that no cause or grievance could justify violence against innocent people or those engaged in serving society and promoting peace.
The association extended condolences to the bereaved families, affected congregations and communities mourning the loss. It also called on authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify those responsible and take measures to protect vulnerable communities from further violence.
The statement was issued by Rev. Dr. Chabonjinang Thiumai, Executive Secretary of the Liangmai Baptist Churches Association Manipur.
The People's Democratic Alliance also issued a statement expressing strong condemnation of the killings. The party referred to the victims as six Naga civilians who had been abducted at Leilon Vaiphei on May 13.
According to the PDA, the deaths occurred despite efforts by various civil society organisations and public appeals aimed at securing their safe release. The party stated that the victims were killed even after the release of 14 Kuki hostages, a development that had raised hopes for a peaceful resolution.
The PDA expressed disappointment over what it described as the absence of direct condemnation of the perpetrators in a recent statement issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur. While acknowledging that the Kuki organisation had expressed regret over the outcome, the party argued that stronger condemnation and accountability were necessary in response to the killings.
The party also criticised what it termed the silence of Kuki political leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, regarding the deaths of the six civilians.
The PDA said elected representatives, irrespective of ethnic affiliations, should unequivocally condemn all forms of violence and work towards ensuring justice for victims. It further stressed the need for political leaders to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The statement was jointly signed by PDA Working President L. Seth and President Yumnam Joykumar Singh.
The recovery of the six bodies on June 10 has triggered widespread grief and anger across Naga communities. The victims had remained unaccounted for since their abduction during the violence that erupted in the Leilon area in May.
The deaths have prompted renewed calls for accountability, justice and stronger efforts to prevent further escalation of ethnic tensions in the state. Religious organisations, civil society groups and political leaders have continued to urge authorities to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted while also pursuing measures aimed at restoring peace and trust among affected communities.
As reactions continue to emerge, both the LBCA and PDA have appealed for peace, reconciliation and respect for human life, while standing in solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones.
