By Matters India Reporter
Imphal, April 27, 2026: The All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) has condemned the recent violence in Manipur, calling for peace, reconciliation and restraint among communities as the state grapples with unrest and loss of life.
In a press statement issued April 26, AMCO described Manipur as “suffering from social unrest and misery” and denounced the killing of civilians. The organization expressed “condolences to bereaved families” and appealed for unity in the face of tragedy.
Manipur remains trapped in an ethnic quagmire where violence and hostility persist despite peace efforts, according to The Hindu newspaper. A bombing on April 7 in Bishnupur district killed two children, triggering renewed clashes, protests, and deaths, with disinformation further fueling the cycle of unrest.
AMCO represents multiple denominations, advocating for peace, justice, and religious freedom in the state. It has consistently spoken out against violence, church demolitions, and discrimination, while appealing to both state and national leaders for protection of minority Christians.
“Violence and killing of innocent civilians cannot be justified,” the statement said. AMCO urged communities to “exercise restraint and avoid retaliation,” emphasizing that reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness are essential to restoring peace.
The organization called on community leaders and civil society groups to reject violence and work toward justice. “We appeal to community leaders and civil organizations to reject violence and work toward justice and lasting peace,” the statement read.
AMCO also acknowledged the role of security forces in maintaining order. It expressed appreciation for the Indian army’s service and urged the Assam Rifles to uphold neutrality. “We appeal to the Assam Rifles to maintain neutrality and equality while assisting civil administration,” the statement said.
The group’s president, Rev. L. Simon Raomai, signed the statement, underscoring the organization’s commitment to “attaining truth, justice, love, peace, equality and holistic development through people empowerment.”
The appeal comes amid heightened tensions in Manipur, where ethnic and communal clashes have left communities divided. AMCO’s message sought to remind citizens of the moral responsibility to reject cycles of violence.
“Reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness are the way forward,” the statement said, urging all sides to prioritize peace over retaliation.
The organization’s office is based at Mao-Poumai Baptist Church in Imphal West. It reaffirmed its mission to promote justice and equality through nonviolent means, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility.
By calling for restraint and moral response, AMCO has positioned itself as a voice for calm in a state struggling with instability. Its appeal highlighted the need for communities to come together in pursuit of justice and peace.
(Photo: The Catholic Cathedral in Imphal / CC BY-SA 3.0)