‘I forgive them, but this must stop’: Brother of pastor killed in Manipur

Imphal: For nearly a month, the family of Rev Dr Manu Thiumai lived between hope and uncertainty.

Every passing day since May 13 brought fresh questions but few answers. The respected church leader from Konsakhul village was among six Naga men allegedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district, a case that drew concern across communities in Manipur.

That fragile hope came to an end on Wednesday when authorities recovered six bodies believed to be those of the missing men.

“We had a little hope until we heard about the bodies being recovered,” said Paisho Thiumai, younger brother of Rev Manu Thiumai, speaking to EastMojo. “It’s really sad and deeply heartbreaking.”’

The pastor and his wife had travelled to their native village to attend a family wedding a day before the incident. On their journey back to their home in Leimakhong, they were intercepted by a group of armed men.

“As soon as our vehicle was stopped, they separated us. That was the last time I saw my husband. We were not even allowed to speak,” his wife Kachiaklungliu Thiumai earlier told EastMojo.

Days later, she and several other Naga hostages were released. But for weeks, her family continued to wait, clinging to the hope that Rev Dr Manu Thiumai would return home safely.

That hope was shattered on Wednesday when authorities recovered six bodies believed to be among those abducted from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13.

The recovery of the bodies has sent shockwaves through Manipur, particularly among Naga communities, where the disappearance of the six men had become a symbol of the continuing human cost of the state’s ethnic conflict.

According to sources, the remains were found in a decomposed state. DNA testing is expected to be conducted before the bodies are formally handed over to the families.

Choosing forgiveness amid grief

Despite the immense personal loss, Paisho’s response has been marked not by anger but by faith.

“I believe everything is under the control of God. God is taking care of everything, and I believe in His sovereignty,” he said.

As a Christian, he said, he chooses forgiveness even in the face of tragedy.

“I am a Christian and a follower of Christ, and I forgive them. But this wickedness and sinful act have to stop,” he said.

At the same time, Paisho stressed that forgiveness should not be mistaken for the absence of accountability. He expressed confidence that the Government of India would ensure justice for the victims and bring those responsible to book.

Grief spills onto the streets

News of the recovery triggered an outpouring of grief and emotion in Imphal.

Hundreds of people from different communities gathered at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), where the bodies were to be brought for examination and identification.

Many came to pay their respects, while others gathered in solidarity with the bereaved families and the wider Naga community.

The atmosphere, however, became tense as security personnel attempted to regulate the crowd.

A brief confrontation reportedly broke out when authorities erected barricades around the area. As emotions ran high, security forces later used tear gas to disperse sections of the crowd.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is handling the case, had initially planned to transport the bodies to JNIMS at around 7:30 pm on Wednesday. However, security concerns delayed the movement, and the bodies eventually arrived at approximately 2:40 am on Thursday.

Even before the recovery of the bodies, the Manipur government had transferred the case to the NIA.

Meanwhile, the recovery of the bodies has reignited demands for justice and accountability, with community organisations and civil society groups across Manipur calling for a thorough investigation and swift action against those responsible.

Also Read | His church is silent, his school is empty: The long wait for Rev Manu Thiumai