Northeast bishops condemn deadly ambush on Kuki Baptist leaders

GUWAHATI, Assam (Indian Catholic News) — The North East India Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council strongly condemned the brutal attack on Kuki Baptist leaders in Manipur and appealed to authorities to ensure justice and protection for innocent people following a deadly ambush in the conflict-hit state.

In a condolence message issued May 14, the council said it expressed “deep shock and sorrow over the reported ambush on Kuki Baptist leaders along the Kangpokpi-Lamka Road, which led to the tragic death of several respected Church leaders and left others seriously injured.”

The statement, signed by Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati and president of the North East India Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council, described the killings as “this cruel and painful act of violence” that had “taken the lives of innocent servants of God who worked tirelessly for peace, unity, and the spiritual well-being of their people.”

The bishops said they mourned “the loss of these faithful ministers” and offered “heartfelt condolences to their families, the Baptist Church, and the entire Kuki community.”

The statement added that the slain Church leaders “were not only pastors and ministers, but also messengers of hope, peace, and reconciliation in a region that has suffered much pain and division.”

“It is deeply disturbing that people who dedicate their lives to peace and harmony became victims of such violence,” the council said.

“The killing of unarmed pastors and Church workers can never be justified for any political, ethnic, or ideological grounds. Such acts are against the dignity of human life and the values of humanity and brotherhood.”

The bishops appealed to the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and law enforcement agencies “to ensure justice and provide protection to innocent people.”

The council also expressed solidarity with “our Baptist brothers and sisters in this painful moment” and prayed for “peace and harmony in the region.”

Read the statement.