Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC), an apex Naga body in Manipur, has strongly condemned the ambush on leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA), which claimed three lives and left five others seriously injured in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday.
In a statement, the UNC said the incident took place between Kotzin and Kotlen while the church leaders were returning from Churachandpur. Among those killed was Rev. V. Silthou, former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC).
Expressing condolences, the UNC conveyed its sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and grace for them during the time of grief.
The council also expressed concern over developments following the ambush. According to the UNC, at least 20 Nagas from Konsakhul village were allegedly taken hostage by residents of Leilon Kuki village hours after the attack.
“The UNC is unable to comprehend the actions of Leilon Vaiphei, which appear to be in response to the incident cited above, an act that Nagas have condemned without reservation as fellow Christians,” the statement said.
The organisation stated that targeting innocent villagers and holding them hostage was unacceptable and violated all norms of a civilised society.
“Such action only deepens wounds and could escalate tensions between communities,” the UNC added.
The Naga body appealed to the concerned groups to release the hostages immediately and unconditionally, while respecting the right to life and dignity of every individual, irrespective of community.
The UNC also urged civil society organisations, church leaders and community leaders across communities to unite against violence and work towards restoring peaceful coexistence and communal harmony.