Catholic Church decries ‘heinous’ killing of Baptist leaders in Manipur

NEW DELHI (Indian Catholic News) — Catholic bishops in India condemned the “heinous act” in which three Baptist pastors were killed in an ambush in Manipur, saying the religious leaders “have remained a vital source of hope and strength during these difficult times of social unrest.”

In a statement issued May 13, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) expressed “deep sorrow and grief” over the attack on church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district.

The attack took place on May 13 at about 10 a.m. on the road between Kangpokpi and Lamka as leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association were returning from a church meeting.

Among those killed were Pastor Vumthang Sitlhou, president of the Thadou Baptist Association, and pastors V. Kaigoulun and Paogou. Four other pastors and two drivers were seriously injured.

“We are heartbroken by this painful incident in which innocent lives were lost and several others were injured,” the bishops said.

The statement added: “Violence only deepens wounds, prolongs suffering, and weakens the bonds that unite our communities.”

The bishops echoed an appeal by Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal calling on all sides “to refrain from every form of violence and retaliation.”

“Guided by the true Christian spirit, we implore all communities to instead embrace dialogue, forgiveness, reconciliation, restraint, and peaceful coexistence,” the statement said.

The CBCI also urged authorities “to act with wisdom, fairness, and sensitivity so that peace with justice may prevail and confidence among communities may be restored.”

The bishops said they stood “in prayerful solidarity with the bereaved families” and prayed for “understanding and lasting peace” in Manipur.

The latest killings come in the third year of Manipur’s ethnic unrest, which erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo tribal community after a court order linked affirmation policies to tribal status for Meiteis.

Officially, more than 258 people have been killed and at least 60,000 displaced amid cycles of arson, retaliatory attacks and armed clashes. Unofficial sources say those numbers are much higher.