Shillong, May 13: The National People’s Party (NPP) has condemned the killing of church leaders in Manipur, calling the attack a “senseless act of violence” and called for stronger security measures in conflict-affected areas to protect vulnerable communities.
Three church leaders were shot dead and four others injured in an attack by suspected militants at a place between Kotzim and Kotlen villages. The incident happened when members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were returning from Churachandpur after attending a religious congregation.
In a statement, NPP president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma the brutal and cowardly killing was deeply disturbing and utterly unacceptable in any civilised society.
He said the victims were respected members of the Kuki Baptist community and associated with the Manipur Baptist Convention and the Kuki Church Leaders Forum, who devoted their lives to spiritual guidance, peace building, and service to humanity.
“Targeting such individuals is not only an attack on innocent lives but also a grave assault on the values of harmony, compassion, and coexistence that bind our society together,” Sangma said.
He urged both the Centre and the Manipur government to ensure a transparent and time-bound investigation and appealed civil society organisations, community leaders and citizens to work collectively towards restoring peace and harmony in Manipur and across the Northeast.
“At this critical juncture, the NPP reiterates the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and collective efforts toward peace. Violence can never be a solution to any grievance, and such acts only deepen divisions and prolong suffering,” he added.
The NPP expressed its solidarity with the bereaved families and the Kuki Baptist community and extended condolences to the families of those killed in the incident.
