Imphal: The Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) condemned the killing of three Thadou church leaders on May 13 in Manipur, and expressed condolences to the bereaved families, while also praying for the speedy recovery of injured civilians.
In a statement, the union said the Thadou pastors and church workers, led by Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, had gathered in Churachandpur for a meeting on the proposed formation of a United Baptist Convention (UBC), aimed at bringing together the Thadou Baptist Association and several other Baptist bodies.
The NSUD alleged that although the participating groups had agreed in principle to the convention, certain Kuki church representatives had insisted on including the term “Kuki” in the proposed nomenclature of the UBC. According to the union, when the demand was rejected by other Baptist bodies representing different tribal communities, the Kuki Churches withdrew their support for the initiative.
The union further alleged that after the meeting concluded, the pastors and other civilians were travelling from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi when they came under indiscriminate firing, resulting in the deaths of the church leaders and injuries to several others.
The NSUD also condemned the alleged abduction of six Naga men and claimed that they remained unreleased at the time of issuing the statement. It appealed to members of the Kuki community to intervene and facilitate their safe release.
The union criticised the Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi-NCR over its proposed protest rally scheduled for May 16, 2026, alleging that the student body had vilified Nagas without providing proof or credible evidence.
According to the NSUD, the proposed protest was an attempt to shift blame onto the Nagas and politicise the deaths of innocent people. The union further alleged that the rally appeared intended to channel public anger and advance what it described as a “sinister political agenda”.
The NSUD also claimed that the KSO Delhi-NCR had selectively targeted a particular Naga community in its campaign.
While reiterating its respect for democratic and peaceful protests, the union urged the KSO Delhi-NCR to remove references to specific Naga tribes or organisations from its rally posters, pamphlets and slogans.
The NSUD stated that targeted vilification of any community under the guise of protest was unacceptable and warned that attempts to incite hatred, spread misinformation, or target communities and organisations would be firmly condemned and appropriately addressed.
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