Christian organisations and Catholic bishops in India have condemned the killing of three indigenous Christian leaders in the violence-hit state of Manipur, where tensions and fears continue to grow amid ongoing unrest.
The church leaders were killed on 13 May after gunmen attacked their vehicle while they were travelling back to Kangpokpi following a Christian gathering in Churachandpur district. Several other people were also injured in the ambush.
Among those killed was Vumthang Sitlhou, a senior leader within the Thadou Baptist Association and a respected figure among the Kuki Christian community. Two other senior church leaders, including a pastor, also lost their lives in the attack.
In a public statement, Catholic bishops in India expressed deep sorrow over the killings and described the incident as a cruel act against religious leaders who had worked to encourage peace and support local communities during the unrest.
Church leaders warned that continued violence would only increase suffering and further divide communities already affected by conflict.
Manipur has experienced prolonged ethnic violence since 2023. Clashes between the mainly Christian Kuki-Zo tribal groups and the predominantly Hindu Meitei community have resulted in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands of people.
In recent weeks, tensions have also increased between two indigenous Christian communities, the Kukis and the Nagas, raising concerns among church leaders about growing divisions within the Christian population.
Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal called for calm and urged all sides to reject violence and retaliation. He appealed for dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, while also calling on authorities to act fairly and help restore trust between communities.
Several Christian organisations across the region also expressed grief over the deaths, noting that the church leaders had been involved in efforts to encourage peace among local groups.
The latest unrest reportedly began after two Naga men were killed in April. Although responsibility for the attack remains disputed, further violence followed, leading to more deaths and damage to villages in affected areas.
At the same time, concerns are rising over reports of abductions involving members of both the Kuki and Naga communities. Local sources said several people, including women, were taken hostage in recent days, increasing fear and uncertainty across the state.
Church leaders in the region said communities on both sides are living in fear as tensions remain high and efforts to restore peace continue.
Rewritten version of the report published by UCA News.
