By Matters Indian Reporter
Imphal, May 14, 2026: The Salesian congregation in Manipur has confirmed that two of its brothers were abducted near Saparmeina on May 13, and efforts are underway for their safe release.
The two Salesian brothers — Panmei Aching Albert and Poji Küvisie Peter were taken around 9 p.m. May 13 while traveling from Don Bosco Imphal to Don Bosco Maram, some 20 kilometers away.
The Salesian Provincial Office in Dimapur in a special communique has confirmed the abduction of the two member of the Salesians of Don Bosco congregation at Saparmeina, a small hill town in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, located along National Highway 2.
Salesian Dimapur province consists of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal and Upper Assam.
Former Provincial Secretary Father Benny Kariattu Naga said: “Efforts are being made for their safe release. Please pray for their safety and immediate release. Kindly do not sensationalize the issue.”
Sources told Matters India on condition of anonymity: “This is a hostage crisis. Both warring tribal groups have taken hostages. They will exchange them.”
A local Catholic community leader told Matters India the people are united in prayer for the safe return of the abducted brothers and for lasting peace in the region.
The Senapati District Catholic Union (SDCU), affiliated with the All Manipur Catholic Union under the Archdiocese of Imphal, issued an urgent appeal May 14 for the immediate and unconditional release of the two Don Bosco brothers.
Expressing “deep regret and anguish,” the SDCU condemned the abduction as contrary to Christian values of love, peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The union urged the perpetrators to release the brothers immediately and called on communities, leaders, civil society groups, and armed factions to reject violence and pursue dialogue.
The abduction comes the same day gunmen ambushed vehicles carrying leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association, killing three pastors and critically injuring four others. The attack, targeting members of the Kuki Baptist community, has sent shockwaves across India’s northeast, a region long scarred by ethnic and religious conflict.
Manipur remains trapped in an ethnic quagmire where violence and hostility persist despite peace efforts. 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.