By Matters India Reporter
Dimapur, May 15, 2026: The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) has expressed “deep shock, grief, and anguish” over the reported ambush on pastors and church workers from the Kuki community in Manipur.
The attack occurred on May 13, as they were returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending the United Baptist Convention Assembly.
According to the NCCI, “three pastors lost their lives on the spot and others sustained severe injuries,” a tragedy that has caused “immense pain and sorrow to the Christian community across the country and to all peace-loving people.”
“At this hour of unbearable suffering and mourning, the NCCI stands in solidarity with the bereaved families, the injured, and the suffering people,” read the statement issued by Reverend Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary, NCCI.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences and assure them of our prayers, support, and accompaniment during this dark and painful time,” he wrote.
The NCCI “vehemently and unequivocally condemns this brutal and inhuman act of violence against church leaders and servants of God,” calling the incident “a grave assault not only on human dignity and life, but also on the sacred mission of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and communal harmony.”
Reiterating its urgent appeal, the NCCI urged the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and law enforcement agencies to conduct “an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation.”
It stressed that “those responsible must be identified, held accountable, and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law.”
The statement concluded with a call to all communities to “reject hatred and violence” and to “uphold the values of peace, dialogue, justice, and mutual respect.”
Meanwhile, the United Christian Forum of North East India issued an “urgent appeal” May 15 for the safe release of hostages and restoration of peace in Manipur.
“Our hearts grieve for the families who are living in anguish and uncertainty,” the forum said, urging captors to “demonstrate compassion and release the hostages safely and unconditionally at the earliest.”
The appeal called on authorities, civil society, and security forces to “work tirelessly towards a peaceful resolution, exercising restraint and wisdom to defuse the prevailing tensions.”
The forum reminded the region of its “spirit of unity in diversity” and warned against allowing the incident to “fracture the bonds of brotherhood.”
Churches and Christian associations were asked to hold special prayer services for “the safe and swift release of all hostages” and “lasting peace and harmony to return to our beloved region.”
(Photo courtesy of United Christian Forum of North East India)