Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday lauded the efforts of church leaders attempting to defuse tensions arising from the hostage crisis that followed the killing of three church leaders on May 13 at Zero Point between Kotlen and Kotzim in Kangpokpi district.
A ten-member delegation of church leaders representing the Council for Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) met the Chief Minister to discuss the tense situation between the two tribal communities. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho was also present at the meeting.
The church leaders volunteered to mediate between the communities in an effort to restore peace. Singh said he was touched by their initiative and appreciated their willingness to help resolve the crisis. The State Government also encouraged the church leaders to engage with both sides.
As part of the peace initiative, the church leaders will split into two teams. One team will travel to Kangpokpi district, while the other will visit Senapati district. The leaders stressed that hostages on both sides should be released immediately on humanitarian grounds.
The Kangpokpi-bound team will meet the families of the three slain church leaders to offer condolences. The State Government has assured ex gratia assistance to the bereaved families. The team will also hold discussions with Kuki church leaders in Kangpokpi as part of efforts to ease tensions.
Meanwhile, the team visiting Senapati district will meet Naga church leaders and members of Naga civil society organisations to discuss the prevailing situation and the ongoing hostage crisis.
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